Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQ)
📈AP Precalculus Review
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQ)
Overview
- Section I contains 42 multiple-choice questions in 105 minutes
- Section I makes up 62.5% of the total AP Exam score
- Part A: 29 questions in 65 minutes, no calculator
- Part B: 13 questions in 40 minutes, graphing calculator required
- Calculators should be in radian mode when used on the AP Exam
- Only some Part B questions require graphing calculator use
- The AP Precalculus Exam assesses Units 1, 2, and 3; Unit 4 is not assessed on the AP Exam
The official Section I source and task types include items from different representations, items in real-world contexts, and items involving modeling.
Official representation types:
- graphical
- numerical
- analytical
- verbal
Function Type Weighting
The CED gives these multiple-choice function-type weightings:
| Function Type | Unit | MCQ Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| General Functions (non-analytical) | Units 1 and 2 | 15-23% |
| Polynomial and Rational Functions | Unit 1 | 20-25% |
| Exponential and Logarithmic Functions | Unit 2 | 22-28% |
| Trigonometric and Polar Functions | Unit 3 | 30-35% |
Official Skill Weighting
The exam assesses student understanding of the mathematical practices and learning objectives from Units 1, 2, and 3. The official CED exam-weighting table groups the weighted skills by practice:
| Skill | Exam Weighting |
|---|---|
| Practice 1: Procedural and Symbolic Fluency | |
| 1.A: Solve equations and inequalities | 14-17% |
| 1.B: Express equivalent forms | 9-13% |
| 1.C: Construct new functions | 15-19% |
| Practice 2: Multiple Representations | |
| 2.A: Identify information from representations | 14-17% |
| 2.B: Construct equivalent representations | 6-9% |
| Practice 3: Communication and Reasoning | |
| 3.A: Describe characteristics | 10-14% |
| 3.B: Apply results | 9-13% |
| 3.C: Support conclusions | 13% |
Supplemental Section I Skill Framework
The supplemental skills reference lists the full MCQ-applicable skill set with more detailed titles. These do not replace the CED exam-weighting labels above; use them to understand the skill scope behind Section I items. Skills 2.C, 2.D, 3.D, 3.E, and 3.F are assessed through MCQs only, so they are official Section I expectations even though the CED exam-weighting table does not assign them separate percentage ranges.
| Skill | Official skill statement | MCQ preparation focus | |---|---| | 1.A | Determine values or solve for unknowns in functions and equations, using algebraic manipulation. | Solve or determine values by hand when algebraic manipulation is appropriate. | | 1.B | Determine values or solve for unknowns in functions and equations, using technology strategically. | Use technology when the item is in calculator Part B and technology is useful for the task. | | 1.C | Determine new functions that can be constructed from known functions by addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, or composition. | Build or analyze new functions from known functions. | | 2.A | Construct and interpret graphical representations of functions and relations. | Interpret graphs and connect them to other representations. | | 2.B | Construct and interpret tables for functions and relations. | Interpret tables and connect them to other representations. | | 2.C | Determine key characteristics of functions and relations in different representations. | Use graphs, tables, equations, and verbal descriptions to determine characteristics. | | 2.D | Determine an appropriate function model, including regression models. | Select an appropriate model type, including when regression information is provided. | | 3.A | Describe the characteristics of a function. | Describe features such as behavior, intervals, and key characteristics. | | 3.B | Construct mathematical expressions, equations, and inequalities to represent relationships. | Write mathematical relationships from a context or representation. | | 3.C | Verify that a function has a specific characteristic. | Check whether a stated function characteristic is supported. | | 3.D | Justify conclusions about functions by using the relationships that exist within and between different representations. | Support conclusions by connecting information across representations. | | 3.E | Validate an appropriate function model. | Decide whether a model is appropriate, including from residual-plot evidence when given. | | 3.F | Articulate assumptions made when constructing a function model. | State the assumptions used to construct a model. |
For modeling items, be ready to work with regression and residual analysis, model selection, predicted values from a model, and model validation. If a prompt asks about assumptions made when constructing a model, answer from the stated context rather than treating assumptions or limitations as guaranteed on every Section I form.
Part A: No Calculator
Part A has 29 questions in 65 minutes. Use algebraic reasoning, exact values, transformations, function properties, and representation analysis without a calculator.
Part A can still include graphical, numerical, analytical, and verbal representations. "No calculator" does not mean "symbolic only"; it means students must reason from the given information without graphing-calculator support.
Technology should not replace symbolic manipulation skills. When algebraic expressions and equations are accessible with precalculus-level algebraic manipulation, students are expected to find zeros, solve equations, and calculate values without technology.
Part B: Graphing Calculator Required
Part B has 13 questions in 40 minutes. A graphing calculator is required for this part, but the CED states that only some Part B questions require calculator use.
Use the calculator strategically when a question requires graphing, tables, function evaluation, equation solving, computation, or model analysis. Read the question first so the technology supports the mathematical task rather than replacing it.
The CED Technology Needs section identifies calculator capabilities students should practice for AP Precalculus:
- perform calculations, including exponents, roots, trigonometric values, and logarithms
- graph functions and analyze graphs
- generate tables of values for functions
- find real zeros of functions
- find points of intersection of graphs of functions
- find minima and maxima of functions
- find numerical solutions to equations in one variable
- find regression equations to model data and plot corresponding residuals
- perform matrix operations, including multiplication and finding inverses, as a course technology capability
For the AP Exam itself, keep the tested content scope to Units 1, 2, and 3; Unit 4 topics, including matrix content, are excluded. The MCQ weighting table specifically limits General Functions (non-analytical) to Units 1 and 2.
What To Prepare
Prepare across Units 1, 2, and 3:
- items from graphical, numerical, analytical, and verbal representations
- items in real-world contexts and items involving modeling across the tested units
- general functions from Units 1 and 2
- polynomial and rational functions
- exponential and logarithmic functions
- trigonometric and polar functions
- general functions and transformations from Units 1 and 2
- equivalent expressions
- equations and inequalities
- graphical, numerical, analytical, and verbal representations
- real-world modeling contexts
- model assumptions, limitations, and validation
Avoid treating examples or released-question patterns as guarantees. The official scope is defined by the units, function-type weightings, representation types, and skill weightings above.
Final Notes
The MCQ section rewards flexible movement among representations and careful attention to the requested task. Keep calculator claims precise: Part B requires a graphing calculator, but not every Part B item requires calculator use. Keep scope precise as well: Units 1-3 are assessed on the AP Exam, while Unit 4 is not.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many multiple-choice questions are on the AP Precalc exam?
The AP Precalculus exam has 42 multiple-choice questions in 105 minutes. Part A has 29 no-calculator questions in 65 minutes, and Part B has 13 graphing-calculator questions in 40 minutes. Together the MCQ section counts for 62.5% of your total exam score.
How much is the MCQ section worth on the AP Precalc exam?
The multiple-choice section is worth 62.5% of your AP Precalculus score, with Part A (no calculator) at 43.75% and Part B (calculator) at 18.75%. The four free-response questions make up the remaining 37.5%. You can test how different MCQ totals affect your score with the AP Precalc score calculator.
Can you use a calculator on the AP Precalc multiple choice?
Only on Part B. The first 28 questions (Part A) are no-calculator, and the final 12 questions (Part B) require a graphing calculator, though not every Part B question actually needs it. Keep your calculator in radian mode for the exam.
Is there a guessing penalty on the AP Precalc MCQ?
No. Wrong answers cost nothing, so you should answer all 42 questions even if you have to guess. A smart strategy is to mark any question that stalls you for 3 minutes, pick a tentative answer, move on, and return on a second pass.
What topics show up most on the AP Precalc multiple choice?
Trigonometric and polar functions are the biggest chunk at 30-35% of the MCQ section. Exponential and logarithmic functions are 22-28%, polynomial and rational functions are 20-25%, and general (non-analytical) functions are 15-23%. If your trig is weak, that's the highest-value place to review, and you can drill it with guided practice questions.