AP Precalculus
A new AP course launched in 2024. Covers polynomial, exponential, trigonometric, and polar functions — building the foundation for Calculus AB/BC. Ideal for Grade 10-11 students who want to start their AP STEM pathway. Your child will take 40 MCQs + 4 FRQs in 3 hours.
Before you begin, understand how the College Board scores.
AP Precalculus is a new AP course launched in 2024 with a balanced structure: MCQ (40 questions, 62.5% of the score) + FRQ (4 questions, 37.5% of the score). FRQs focus on modeling — representing real-world situations with functions. Understanding the structure helps your child allocate prep time to the right priorities.
5/5 Score Distribution in 2024
According to College Board data, 12.0% of students worldwide earned a 5 on AP Precalculus — the course is still new (officially launched in 2024), so many students are not yet familiar with the format. Most points are lost in Unit 3 (Trigonometric Functions) and Unit 4 (Polar Coordinates). Our students target a 5 rate 1.5-2 times higher by practicing all 4 units plus 4 rubric-aligned modeling FRQs.
MCQ — Multiple Choice
40 questions · 120 minutes · calculator/no-calculator
FRQ — Free Response
4 questions · 60 minutes
Total Exam
3 hours
4 units aligned with the College Board CED 2024.
Our roadmap closely follows the official College Board CED 2024 (newly launched). AP Precalculus is divided into 4 units: Polynomial & Rational Functions, Exponential & Logarithmic Functions, Trigonometric & Polar Functions, and Functions Involving Parameters/Vectors/Matrices (course-only, not assessed on the exam). Click each unit for details.
Unit Details
Refer to the official College Board Course and Exam Description for the full list of topics.
This is one of the 4 units in AP Precalculus (launched in 2024). We guide students to connect functions (algebraic), graphs (geometric), and real-world models continuously — instead of memorizing formulas mechanically.
Unit Details
Refer to the official College Board Course and Exam Description for the full list of topics.
This is one of the 4 units in AP Precalculus (launched in 2024). We guide students to connect functions (algebraic), graphs (geometric), and real-world models continuously — instead of memorizing formulas mechanically.
Unit Details
Refer to the official College Board Course and Exam Description for the full list of topics.
This is one of the 4 units in AP Precalculus (launched in 2024). We guide students to connect functions (algebraic), graphs (geometric), and real-world models continuously — instead of memorizing formulas mechanically.
Unit Details
Refer to the official College Board Course and Exam Description for the full list of topics.
This is one of the 4 units in AP Precalculus (launched in 2024). We guide students to connect functions (algebraic), graphs (geometric), and real-world models continuously — instead of memorizing formulas mechanically.
Full study roadmap: ~27 weeks (21-29 weeks depending on level) · Materials: AP Classroom + internal AP Tutors materials · Source: Official College Board CED
Target score distribution for Precalc students — May 2026 season.
Roadmap goals: 75%+ of students earn a 5, and 95%+ earn a 4-5. Compare this with the global score distribution so you and your child can clearly see the target benchmark.
AP Tutors Target — Precalculus (2026 Season)
Global Average
Four competencies we help your child master.
The College Board scores AP Precalculus through 4 "Mathematical Practices": Procedural Knowledge & Notational Fluency, Multiple Representations, Communication & Reasoning, and Functions Symbolic & Graphical Reasoning. Our roadmap ensures students master all 4.
Function Modeling
One of the 6 core competencies the College Board assesses throughout the course.
Reasoning About Change & Function Behavior
One of the 6 core competencies the College Board assesses throughout the course.
Using Multiple Representations (Graphs, Tables, Formulas)
One of the 6 core competencies the College Board assesses throughout the course.
Communicating Mathematical Reasoning
One of the 6 core competencies the College Board assesses throughout the course.
Calculator Use
One of the 6 core competencies the College Board assesses throughout the course.
Exam Time Management
One of the 6 core competencies the College Board assesses throughout the course.
Sample Question — Modeling with Trig.
This is a typical AP Precalculus FRQ — Unit 3 (Trigonometric & Polar Functions). Students must model a real-world situation with a sinusoidal function and analyze its features (period, amplitude, phase shift).
Context: A Ferris wheel has a diameter of 40 m and its center is 22 m above the ground. The wheel rotates steadily with a period of 8 minutes (1 revolution / 8 minutes). At t = 0, a passenger starts at the lowest position.
Answer all 4 parts below:
- Write a function h(t) that describes the passenger's height over time t (minutes) using a cosine function. Identify the amplitude, vertical shift, and period (2 points).
- Calculate the height of the passenger at t = 2 minutes and t = 5 minutes (1.5 points).
- Find the first time the passenger is at a height of 32 m (1.5 points).
- Graph h(t) over one period (0 ≤ t ≤ 8). Label the extrema (1 point).
Part (a) — 2 points: Amplitude = 20 (radius), vertical shift = 22 (center), period = 8. Since t=0 is the lowest position, use −cos (because cos(0)=1, but we need the minimum). h(t) = 22 − 20·cos(2π·t/8) = 22 − 20·cos(πt/4).
Part (b) — 1.5 points: h(2) = 22 − 20·cos(π/2) = 22 − 20·0 = 22 m (level with the center). h(5) = 22 − 20·cos(5π/4) = 22 − 20·(−√2/2) = 22 + 10√2 ≈ 36.14 m.
Part (c) — 1.5 points: 32 = 22 − 20·cos(πt/4) → cos(πt/4) = −1/2 → πt/4 = 2π/3 → t = 8/3 ≈ 2.67 minutes. This is the first time (t 0).
Part (d) — 1 point: The graph is an inverted cosine curve: at (0, 2) [min], (2, 22) [center], (4, 42) [max], (6, 22) [center], (8, 2) [min]. A sinusoidal curve.
→ Our tip: for Precalc trig modeling, always identify the 4 parameters before writing the function: amplitude (= radius), vertical shift (= center), period (= time for 1 revolution), and phase shift (= starting point). This is the standard framework for every Ferris wheel / tide / temperature / pendulum problem.
14 Precalc tutors — carefully selected by our team.
Every tutor on our team must pass an internal exam equivalent to the May test — with at least 90% correct. All have strong Math / Engineering / Statistics backgrounds and especially deep experience teaching modeling FRQs plus building a solid foundation for students preparing for Calculus.
Tutors Currently Being Selected
We are currently selecting and verifying AP Precalculus tutor profiles — all with strong Math / Engineering backgrounds and one-on-one teaching experience with Vietnamese students in Grades 10-11. To be matched with a tutor aligned with your child's goals, you can book a free consultation.
Register to Be Introduced to a TutorPublic tutor profiles expected: Q3 2026
Four tuition pathways, depending on your child's goals.
The four tuition packages above are reference frameworks to help you and your child choose more easily. We will recommend the right package based on current level, score target, and remaining time before the May exam.
* Tuition does not include VAT.
* Tuition levels are for reference and may be adjusted depending on score goals.
* Tuition applies to one-on-one online lessons; in-person lessons at the office will cost more.
Our Precalc students are now at top universities worldwide.
Below are the most recent students who completed the AP Precalculus roadmap with us. Many used Precalc as their "first AP," then continued with Calculus AB/BC the following year before entering STEM programs at MIT, Stanford, Berkeley, and UCLA.
Student success stories will be published after the May 2026 AP exam, with official written consent from students and parents.
Questions parents and students often ask.
A collection of the questions you and your child may be wondering about most. For personalized advice, you can book a free consultation with our advisor.
Schedule a Consultation