AP Calculus Writing Activity Fall 2014 Argumentative Essay
Standards Addressed:
M.Calc.1.2 Derivatives: Define
The learner will be able to apply the derivative to determine the slope of a tangent line at a point, the equation of the tangent line to a curve at a point and the equation of the normal line to a curve at a point.
The learner will be able to approximate the rate of change at a point, graph of a function or a table of values and define the derivative in various ways.
M. Calc.1.8 Differentiation: Apply/Relation
The learner will be able to use the relationships between f(x), f’(x), and f”(x) to determine the increasing and decreasing behavior of f(x). Determine critical points of f(x). Determine the concavity of f(x) over an interval, the points of inflection of f(x). Sketch the graphs of f’(x) and f”(x) when given f(x) and the graph of f(x) when given f’(x).
MMCP2. Students will reason and evaluate mathematical arguments.
a. Recognize reasoning and proof as fundamental aspects of mathematics.
c. Develop and evaluate mathematical arguments and proofs.
d. Select and use various types of reasoning and methods of proof.
MCP1. Students will solve problems.
a. Build new mathematical knowledge through problem solving.
b. Apply and adapt a variety of appropriate strategies to solve problems.
d. Monitor and reflect on the process of mathematical problem solving.
Date assigned: August 29th Date due: September
As a practice for the AP Test in May, Jim was asked to score a friend’s 2008 Calculus AB Free Response Question #6. Jim scored this problem as a 6. Attached is the College Board Scoring Rubric for 2008 FRQ #6 and the student’s response. Do you agree or disagree with this score? Please be specific about how many points you would give each section and why the student would earn points and lose points in each section. The school-wide writing assignment scoring is attached so you can see how you will be scored for the quality of your writing. This is a 20 point grade for the writing part of the assignment and a 20 point grade for the mathematical reasoning you display. This assignment is worth 40 points. You will receive a 5 point bonus if you give this problem the same score College Board did.