Skip to main content

Free response without a calculator (Part B)

Table of function and derivative values

  • Units 2, 3, 4 and 5
  • 9 points
  • About 15 minutes

A multi-part problem you solve by hand, often from a graph, a table, an equation or a differential equation. You show your work, use exact values, and justify answers with calculus reasons such as a sign change in a derivative or the conditions of a theorem. On the exam: 4 questions in Part B of the free-response section (60 minutes, no calculator). The whole free-response section is 6 questions in 90 minutes and counts for 50% of the score. AB and BC use the same format; on BC, Part B usually includes a series question and a question on BC-only topics.

The question and its sources

The functions f and g are differentiable for all real numbers, and g is strictly increasing. The table gives values of the functions and their derivatives at selected values of x.

Values of f, f′, g and g′

xf(x)f′(x)g(x)g′(x)
16−323
24−132
33−252
4−3−884

Source: Hypothetical data

Suggested time: 15 minutes

Your answers are saved in this browser as you type.

Part (a)

2 points

Let h be the function defined by h(x) = f(g(x)). Find h′(1).

0 / 2,500 characters

Part (b)

2 points

Let k be the function defined by k(x) = f(x)/g(x). Write an equation for the line tangent to the graph of k at x = 2.

0 / 2,500 characters

Part (c)

1 point

Let g⁻¹ be the inverse function of g. Find (g⁻¹)′(5).

0 / 2,500 characters

Part (d)

2 points

Find lim (x→2) (f(x) − 4)/(g(x) − 3). Show the work that leads to your answer.

0 / 2,500 characters

Part (e)

2 points

Must there be a value c, for 1 < c < 4, such that f′(c) = −3? Justify your answer.

0 / 2,500 characters

Checking scoring…

Scoring it yourself shows you the rubric, examples and a model answer. Try writing your answer first.