Ap Approved Calculators

AP Exam Calculation Utility

Policy Check: Scientific and Graphing calculators are permitted on AP Calculus, Statistics, Physics, and Chemistry. This tool simulates common calculations found on approved TI-84 or Casio models.

Quadratic Solver (Physics/Calculus)

Solve for x in the form: ax² + bx + c = 0

Descriptive Statistics (AP Stats)

function calculateQuadratic() { var a = parseFloat(document.getElementById('coeff_a').value); var b = parseFloat(document.getElementById('coeff_b').value); var c = parseFloat(document.getElementById('coeff_c').value); var resultDiv = document.getElementById('quad_result'); if (isNaN(a) || isNaN(b) || isNaN(c)) { resultDiv.innerHTML = "Please enter valid coefficients."; return; } if (a === 0) { resultDiv.innerHTML = "Coefficient 'a' cannot be zero for a quadratic equation."; return; } var discriminant = (b * b) – (4 * a * c); if (discriminant > 0) { var x1 = (-b + Math.sqrt(discriminant)) / (2 * a); var x2 = (-b – Math.sqrt(discriminant)) / (2 * a); resultDiv.innerHTML = "Two Real Roots: x₁ = " + x1.toFixed(4) + ", x₂ = " + x2.toFixed(4); } else if (discriminant === 0) { var x = -b / (2 * a); resultDiv.innerHTML = "One Real Root: x = " + x.toFixed(4); } else { var realPart = (-b / (2 * a)).toFixed(4); var imagPart = (Math.sqrt(-discriminant) / (2 * a)).toFixed(4); resultDiv.innerHTML = "Complex Roots: " + realPart + " ± " + imagPart + "i"; } } function calculateStats() { var input = document.getElementById('stat_data').value; var numbers = input.split(',').map(function(item) { return parseFloat(item.trim()); }).filter(function(item) { return !isNaN(item); }); var resultDiv = document.getElementById('stat_result'); if (numbers.length < 2) { resultDiv.innerHTML = "Please enter at least two numbers separated by commas."; return; } var sum = 0; for (var i = 0; i < numbers.length; i++) { sum += numbers[i]; } var mean = sum / numbers.length; var varianceSum = 0; for (var j = 0; j < numbers.length; j++) { varianceSum += Math.pow(numbers[j] – mean, 2); } var sampleSD = Math.sqrt(varianceSum / (numbers.length – 1)); var popSD = Math.sqrt(varianceSum / numbers.length); resultDiv.innerHTML = "Mean (x̄): " + mean.toFixed(4) + "Sample SD (s): " + sampleSD.toFixed(4) + "Pop. SD (σ): " + popSD.toFixed(4); }

Success on Advanced Placement (AP) exams doesn't just depend on your knowledge—it depends on having the right tools. The College Board maintains a strict policy regarding which calculators are permitted in the testing room. Using an unapproved device can lead to score cancellation.

Which AP Exams Allow Calculators?

Not every AP exam requires or allows a calculator. They are primarily permitted for math and science-based subjects:

• AP Calculus AB/BC: Graphing calculator required for Part B of Section I and Part A of Section II.
• AP Statistics: Graphing calculator with statistical capabilities required for the entire exam.
• AP Physics (1, 2, C): Scientific or graphing calculator allowed for the entire exam.
• AP Chemistry: Scientific or graphing calculator allowed for the entire exam.
• AP Biology: Scientific or graphing calculator allowed for the entire exam.

Graphing vs. Scientific Calculators

While scientific calculators (like the TI-30XS) are allowed for most science exams, AP Calculus and AP Statistics specifically require graphing calculators. These devices must be able to:

1. Plot the graph of a function within an arbitrary viewing window.
2. Find the zeros of functions (solve equations numerically).
3. Numerically calculate the derivative of a function.
4. Numerically calculate the definite integral of a function.

Popular Approved Models

The following models are among the most commonly used and are fully approved by the College Board:

• Texas Instruments: TI-84 Plus, TI-84 Plus CE, TI-Nspire CX II (and CAS versions).
• Casio: FX-9750GIII, FX-CG50 PRIZM.
• HP: HP Prime, HP 48-50 series.

Prohibited Features

Even if a calculator is a "graphing" model, it may be banned if it includes certain features. You may NOT use:

• Devices with QWERTY keyboards (like the TI-92).
• Devices that can access the internet or have wireless/Bluetooth capabilities.
• Devices that require a power cord or make noise.
• Calculators built into phones, smartwatches, or tablets.

Exam Day Tips

1. Check Batteries: If using a TI-84 Plus CE, ensure it is fully charged the night before. If using AAA batteries, bring a spare set.

2. Clear Memory: While some proctors require clearing RAM, the College Board generally allows stored programs as long as they don't violate exam integrity. Check with your specific AP Coordinator.

3. Familiarity: Don't buy a new calculator the week of the exam. You should be able to perform regressions, find intersections, and calculate integrals quickly without looking for buttons.

Calculation Example for AP Physics

Suppose you are solving a kinematics problem where an object's height is given by h(t) = -4.9t² + 20t + 5. To find when the object hits the ground (h=0), you would use the Quadratic Solver on your approved calculator. By inputting a = -4.9, b = 20, and c = 5, you quickly find the positive root for time t, saving valuable minutes on the free-response section.