/ AP Precalculus guide
AP Precalculus study guide
AP Precalculus tests whether you can model with functions and justify your reasoning. Free-response points go to the stated function type, the correct transformation, and a conclusion written in the context of the problem.
Last updated June 24, 2026 · Written by the Cramapple team
The exam at a glance
| Section | What you face |
|---|---|
| Multiple choice | 40 questions · 2 hours · 62.5% of the score |
| Free response | 4 questions · 1 hour · 37.5% of the score |
| Calculator | Required on parts of each section |
Course units
- Unit 1: Polynomial and Rational Functions (on the exam)
- Unit 2: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions (on the exam)
- Unit 3: Trigonometric and Polar Functions (on the exam)
- Unit 4: Functions Involving Parameters, Vectors, and Matrices (taught, not on the exam)
FAQ
How long is the AP Precalculus exam?
3 hours: 2 hours of multiple choice and 1 hour of free response.
Is Unit 4 on the AP Precalculus exam?
No. Units 1 to 3 are assessed; Unit 4 is taught in class but not tested.
Where do most students lose FRQ points?
Leaving out the reasoning. Name the function type, show the transformation, and state the conclusion in the problem's context.
Start practising
Answer a real AP Precalculus question and see which rubric points you earned and which are still yours to take.
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