AP Calculus AB Scoring Guide

Unit 5 Progress Check: FRQ Part A

1. A GRAPHING CALCULATOR IS REQUIRED FOR THIS QUESTION.

You are permitted to use your calculator to solve an equation, find the derivative of a function
at a point, or calculate the value of a definite integral. However, you must clearly indicate the
setup of your question, namely the equation, function, or integral you are using. If you use
other built-in features or programs, you must show the mathematical steps necessary to
produce your results. Your work must be expressed in standard mathematical notation rather
than calculator syntax.

Show all of your work, even though the question may not explicitly remind you to do so. Clearly
label any functions, graphs, tables, or other objects that you use. Justifications require that you
give mathematical reasons, and that you verify the needed conditions under which relevant
theorems, properties, definitions, or tests are applied. Your work will be scored on the
correctness and completeness of your methods as well as your answers. Answers without
supporting work will usually not receive credit.

Unless otherwise specified, answers (numeric or algebraic) need not be simplified. If your
answer is given as a decimal approximation, it should be correct to three places after the
decimal point.

Unless otherwise specified, the domain of a function is assumed to be the set of all real
numbers for which is a real number.

Let be a twice-differentiable function such that . The second derivative of is given

by for .

(a) On what open intervals contained in is the graph of concave up? Give a
reason for your answer.

Please respond on separate paper, following directions from your teacher.

(b) Does have a relative minimum, a relative maximum, or neither at ? Justify your
answer.

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 AP Calculus AB Scoring Guide

Unit 5 Progress Check: FRQ Part A

Please respond on separate paper, following directions from your teacher.

(c) Use the Mean Value Theorem on the closed interval to show that cannot
equal 2.5.

Please respond on separate paper, following directions from your teacher.

(d) Does the graph of have a point of inflection at ? Give a reason for your answer.

Please respond on separate paper, following directions from your teacher.

Part A

A maximum of 1 out of 2 points is earned for one correct interval with reason and no incorrect intervals.

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples to score the response.

0 1 2

The student response accurately includes both of the criteria below.

intervals

reason

Solution:

The graph of is concave up on and because is positive on

those intervals.

Part B

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in print beyond your school’s participation in the program is prohibited. Page 2 of 4
 AP Calculus AB Scoring Guide

Unit 5 Progress Check: FRQ Part A

Note: Sign charts are a useful tool to investigate and summarize the behavior of a function. By itself a
sign chart for or is not a sufficient response for a justification.

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1 2

The student response accurately includes both of the criteria below.

answer

justification

Solution:

Because and by the Second Derivative Test has a relative

maximum at

Part C

The first point requires use of average rate of change of on

One point is earned for using to conclude that there would be a number in the interval
such that Two points are earned for showing that this is not possible.

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1 2 3

The student response accurately includes all three of the criteria below.

considers average rate of change

conclusion using Mean Value Theorem

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in print beyond your school’s participation in the program is prohibited. Page 3 of 4
 AP Calculus AB Scoring Guide

Unit 5 Progress Check: FRQ Part A

Solution:

If then the average rate of change of on the closed interval would be

Since is continuous on and differentiable on by the Mean Value Theorem there would
be a number in the interval such that

However, since it follows that on the interval

Therefore, there is no number in the interval such that

Thus, it is not possible that

Part D

Note: Sign charts are a useful tool to investigate and summarize the behavior of a function. By itself a
sign chart for or is not a sufficient response for a justification.

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1 2

The student response accurately includes both of the criteria below.

answer

reason

Solution:

Because does not change sign at the graph of does not have a point of inflection there.

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your school’s participation in the program is prohibited. Page 4 of 4