AP Precalculus
AP Precalculus Exam 2027: Tested Topics and a Study Guide
What Units 1–3 cover, what Unit 4 does not mean for the exam, and how to prepare for the current hybrid digital format.
The 2027 AP Precalculus exam assesses polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, and trigonometric and polar functions. These are College Board Units 1–3; Unit 4 is not assessed on the exam (official course framework).
Organize revision by function family
| Unit | What to connect | Practice habit |
|---|---|---|
| Polynomial and rational functions | Zeros, factors, graphs, restrictions, and end behavior | Explain why an algebraic feature produces a graphical feature. |
| Exponential and logarithmic functions | Multiplicative change, inverse relationships, and models | State the meaning and units of each parameter. |
| Trigonometric and polar functions | Angles, periodic behavior, graphs, and coordinates | Connect a formula’s parameters to a complete cycle. |
| Parameters, vectors, and matrices | Additional Unit 4 course content | Follow school assignments, but separate this from AP exam revision priorities. |
The distinction between course enrichment and assessed content matters. A student may study valuable additional mathematics at school without that topic belonging on an AP exam checklist (College Board scope).
The May 2027 format
| Section | Questions | Time | Score weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple choice | 42 | 105 minutes | 62.5% |
| Free response | 4 | 70 minutes | 37.5% |
Multiple-choice Part A has 29 questions in 65 minutes without a calculator; Part B has 13 questions in 40 minutes with a graphing calculator. Free response has two calculator questions in 35 minutes and two non-calculator questions in 35 minutes. The exam is hybrid digital: multiple choice and question viewing use Bluebook, while free-response answers are handwritten (current exam details).
Original practice: choose a model
A quantity has values 80, 100, and 125 at t = 0, 1, and 2. Do these three values suggest a linear model or an exponential model? Write a model that matches them.
Answer
The differences are 20 and 25, so they are not constant. The ratios are 100/80 = 1.25 and 125/100 = 1.25, so an exponential model matches: Q(t) = 80(1.25)t. This models 25% growth per time unit. Three values alone do not establish that the real-world process will continue that way indefinitely.
Original practice: explain a periodic model
The height of a point on a wheel is h(t) = 12 + 10 sin(πt/15), in meters. Find the midline, amplitude, range, and period.
Answer
The midline is 12 meters and amplitude is 10 meters, so the range is [2, 22]. The sine argument increases by 2π in one full cycle: (π/15)T = 2π, giving T = 30 time units. If t is in seconds, the period is 30 seconds.
A four-part weekly routine
- Concept: Explain one graph, definition, or model without a formula sheet.
- Algebra: Solve a short set of mixed questions and keep original restrictions.
- Representation: Translate between a table, graph, equation, and verbal description.
- Reflection: Correct an error and solve a different problem testing the same idea.
Begin untimed so misconceptions are visible. Add section-style timing once the method is secure. Keep calculator and non-calculator practice separate enough to build both kinds of fluency.
What should an error log record?
Record the problem type, the first incorrect step, the corrected reasoning, and a follow-up question. “Careless mistake” is usually too vague to act on. “I divided by an expression without checking whether it could be zero” tells you what to check next time.
Use the domain practice and logarithm guide for targeted revision. For consistent in-person feedback, see SOMATH AP Precalculus tutoring and the NYC parent’s guide.
Questions and answers
Is Unit 4 on the AP Precalculus exam?
No. Units 1–3 are assessed; Unit 4 is additional course content.
How many multiple-choice questions are on the 2027 exam?
There are 42 multiple-choice questions.
Are free-response answers typed?
No. The exam remains hybrid digital, with handwritten free-response answers.
Should every practice session be timed?
No. Learn and explain the method first, then add timing as fluency develops.
Does matching three data points prove a model forever?
No. A model that fits a small table still needs a justified context and domain.
Bring your questions to SOMATH
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