PrecalcIQ · AP Precalculus · Mock Exam 2
PrecalcIQ · AP Precalculus

PrecalcIQ Mock Exam 2 — Full AP Simulation (Units 1–3)


Take this after Lesson 25, in one 3-hour sitting with a 5-minute break between sections. This is the dress rehearsal: full length, full timing, real rules.

Rules of Engagement

Section Items Time Calculator
I, Part A Questions 1–28 80 min 🚫 NONE
I, Part B Questions 29–40 40 min 📱 graphing calculator
II, Part A FRQ 1 & FRQ 2 30 min 📱 graphing calculator
II, Part B FRQ 3 & FRQ 4 30 min 🚫 NONE

SECTION I, PART A — No Calculator (Questions 1–28, 80 minutes)

Question 1
The average rate of change of f(x) = x² + 2x over [0, 3] is
Question 2
A function described as "increasing at a decreasing rate" is
Question 3
A point of inflection of a function is a point where
Question 4
For p(x) = 2(x + 1)(x − 3)², which is true?
Question 5
A degree-4 polynomial with real coefficients has zeros 2i and 1. The number of real zeros, counted with multiplicity, is
Question 6
lim x→∞ (5x³ − x⁷) =
Question 7
The horizontal asymptote of y = (2x + 1)/(x³ + 4) is
Question 8
The graph of y = ((x − 4)²(x + 1))/((x − 4)(x + 1)²) has
Question 9
The slant asymptote of y = (x² − 4)/(x + 3) is
Question 10
The remainder when p(x) = x³ − x + 1 is divided by (x + 2) is
Question 11
The graph of y = −f(x) + 2 is obtained from the graph of f by
Question 12
f has range [1, 3]. The range of g(x) = f(x) − 4 is
Question 13
A company's profit rises to a single maximum and then declines. The most appropriate model family is
Question 14
An arithmetic sequence has a₀ = 7 and common difference −3. Then a₆ =
Question 15
A linear function f and an exponential function g with base b > 1 are both increasing. For sufficiently large inputs,
Question 16
27^(2/3) =
Question 17
The horizontal asymptote of y = 3·2ˣ + 1 is
Question 18
f(x) = 2x − 1 and g(x) = x² + 3. Then f(g(2)) =
Question 19
Which function is invertible on all of ℝ?
Question 20
log₂(1/8) =
Question 21
log(x³/y) =
Question 22
The exact solution of e^(2x) = 5 is
Question 23
The solution set of log x + log(x + 3) = 1 is
Question 24
log₅12 =
Question 25
240° in radians is
Question 26
cos(5π/6) =
Question 27
The range of y = −3 cos x + 2 is
Question 28
The period of y = sin(x/3) is

SECTION I, PART B — Calculator Required (Questions 29–40, 40 minutes)

Question 29
📱 The real zero of f(x) = x³ − 2x² − 5 is closest to
Question 30
📱 The maximum value of h(t) = −4.9t² + 30t + 2 is closest to
Question 31
📱 If P(t) = 300e^(0.04t), the value of t for which P(t) = 500 is closest to
Question 32
📱 A linear model and an exponential model are fit to the same data. The linear model's residual plot shows a clear U-shape; the exponential model's residuals are small with no pattern. The better-supported conclusion is
Question 33
📱 An account holds 850(1.062)ᵗ dollars after t years. After 9 years the balance is closest to
Question 34
📱 The solution of ln x = 3 − x is closest to
Question 35
📱 Water depth is D(t) = 7 + 3 sin(π(t − 4)/6) meters. D(7) =
Question 36
📱 The solutions of 5 cos θ = 2 on [0, 2π), to three decimals, are
Question 37
📱 A Ferris wheel rider's height is h(t) = 20 − 18 cos(πt/40) meters. The first time the rider reaches 30 m is closest to
Question 38
📱 The polar rose r = 3 sin(5θ) has how many petals?
Question 39
📱 The average rate of change of r(θ) = 2 + 2 cos θ over [0, π/2] is closest to
Question 40
📱 An angle θ in Quadrant II satisfies sin θ = 0.72. To three decimals, θ =

SECTION II, PART A — Calculator Required (30 minutes)

FRQ 1 📱 — Modeling a Non-Periodic Context [6 points]

Weekly ticket sales for a theater production, in hundreds:

week t 1 2 3 4 5
S (hundreds) 12 20 24 24 20

(a) (i) Find the average rate of change of S over [1, 4]. (ii) Interpret it in context with units.

(b) (i) Explain why a quadratic model is appropriate, using rates of change over equal-length intervals. (ii) Find a quadratic model for S(t) (regression or algebra — the data cooperate).

(c) (i) According to your model, in which week do sales fall to zero? (ii) The producers want to predict sales in week 8. What does the model say, and why should they not trust it?

FRQ 2 📱 — Modeling a Periodic Context [6 points]

In a northern city, the number of daylight hours varies sinusoidally through the year. The maximum, 15.2 hours, occurs on day 172; the following minimum, 9.2 hours, occurs on day 355. (Use a period of 366 days.)

(a) (i) State the midline and amplitude of the daylight function. (ii) Verify that the given max and min days are consistent with the stated period.

(b) Write a function D(t) for the hours of daylight on day t.

(c) (i) Find the daylight hours on day 264, to two decimal places. (ii) On day 264, is daylight increasing or decreasing, and at a relatively fast or slow rate? Justify using the function's structure.


SECTION II, PART B — No Calculator (30 minutes)

FRQ 3 🚫 — Symbolic Manipulations [6 points]

(a) Solve exactly: 9^(x−1) = 27^(x/2).

(b) Solve exactly, rejecting any extraneous solutions: 2 ln x − ln(x + 4) = 0.

(c) Solve on [0, 2π): sin(2θ) = sin θ. (Use the double-angle formula and factor; do not divide by sin θ.)

FRQ 4 🚫 — Communicating About Functions [6 points]

Let f(x) = (3x² − 12)/(x² − 2x − 8).

(a) (i) Write f in factored form and state its domain. (ii) Classify the graph's behavior at x = −2 and x = 4, justifying with multiplicities, and give the coordinates of any hole.

(b) (i) Describe the end behavior of f using limit notation and identify the horizontal asymptote. (ii) Determine whether the graph of f ever crosses its horizontal asymptote. Justify algebraically.

(c) Write one-sided limit statements describing the behavior of f on each side of its vertical asymptote, with a sign analysis to justify each.

---

Show answer key & explanations

ANSWER KEY & SCORING

Section I, Part A

1. (A) f(3) = 15, f(0) = 0 → 15/3 = 5. [L1] 2. (B) Positive, shrinking rate → increasing, concave down. [L1] 3. (C) Inflection = concavity change = rate of change switches trend. [L3] 4. (D) Multiplicity 2 at 3 (touch), 1 at −1 (cross). [L4] 5. (A) 2i forces −2i; remaining two zeros are 1 and one more real (a lone non-real can't exist) → 2 real zeros with multiplicity. [L4] 6. (B) Leading term −x⁷ → −∞. [L5] 7. (C) Bottom-heavy (1 < 3) → y = 0. [L5] 8. (A) At 4: num mult 2 ≥ den mult 1 → hole. At −1: den mult 2 > num mult 1 → VA. [L6] 9. (A) x² − 4 = (x + 3)(x − 3) + 5 → quotient x − 3. [L7] 10. (B) p(−2) = −8 + 2 + 1 = −5 (remainder theorem). [L7] 11. (D) a = −1 then d = +2: reflect over x-axis, then up 2. (B) computes −(f + 2). [L8] 12. (A) [1 − 4, 3 − 4] = [−3, −1]. [L8] 13. (B) One max, rise-then-fall → concave-down quadratic. [L9] 14. (A) 7 + 6(−3) = −11. [L10] 15. (C) Exponential dominance: g exceeds f eventually, always. [L10] 16. (D) (27^(1/3))² = 3² = 9. [L11] 17. (B) Shift up 1: y = 1. [L11] 18. (A) g(2) = 7; f(7) = 13. (B) is g(f(2)). [L13] 19. (D) Strictly increasing everywhere → one-to-one: x³ + 2. [L14] 20. (B) 2⁻³ = 1/8 → −3. [L15] 21. (A) 3 log x − log y. (B) wrongly applies 3 to y as well. [L15] 22. (C) 2x = ln 5 → x = (ln 5)/2. [L16] 23. (D) x² + 3x − 10 = 0 → x = 2 or −5; log(−5) undefined → {2}. [L16] 24. (C) Change of base, input on top: ln 12/ln 5. [L15] 25. (B) 240·π/180 = 4π/3. [L17] 26. (C) QII, reference π/6, cosine negative: −√3/2. [L17] 27. (B) Midline 2 ± amplitude 3: [−1, 5]. [L18] 28. (D) T = 2π/(1/3) = . [L19]

Section I, Part B

29. (A) Graphical root: f(2.69) ≈ −0.007 → zero ≈ 2.690. [L3/L4] 30. (B) Vertex t = 30/9.8 ≈ 3.061; h ≈ 47.9. (A) reports the input. [L2/L9] 31. (A) e^(0.04t) = 5/3 → t = ln(5/3)/0.04 ≈ 0.51083/0.04 ≈ 12.771. [L16] 32. (D) Patternless-and-small beats patterned: exponential more appropriate. [L12] 33. (C) 1.062⁹ ≈ 1.7184 → 850·1.7184 ≈ $1,461. [L12] 34. (B) Intersection of y = ln x and y = 3 − x: x ≈ 2.208 (ln 2.208 ≈ 0.792 ≈ 3 − 2.208 ✓). [L16] 35. (A) sin(π(3)/6) = sin(π/2) = 1 → 7 + 3 = 10. [L19] 36. (C) cos θ = 0.4: θ₁ = arccos 0.4 ≈ 1.159; twin 2π − 1.159 ≈ 5.124. (B) uses π + θ₁. [L21] 37. (B) cos(πt/40) = −10/18 → πt/40 = arccos(−5/9) ≈ 2.160 → t ≈ 40(2.160)/π ≈ 27.5 s. [L19/L21] 38. (D) n = 5 odd → 5 petals. [L23] 39. (A) (r(π/2) − r(0))/(π/2) = (2 − 4)/(π/2) = −4/π ≈ −1.273. [L24] 40. (B) Reference arcsin 0.72 ≈ 0.8038; QII: π − 0.8038 ≈ 2.338. [L20]

Section II Rubrics

FRQ 1 [6 pts]

(a) (i) [1] (24 − 12)/(4 − 1) = 4 hundred tickets per week. (ii) [1] From week 1 to week 4, weekly sales grew by an average of about 400 tickets per week. (b) (i) [1] Rates over 1-week intervals: 8, 4, 0, −4 — decreasing by a constant 4 each week; a rate changing at a constant rate is the quadratic signature. (ii) [1] Δ² = −4 → a = −4/2 = −2; fitting: S(t) = −2t² + 14t (check: S(3) = −18 + 42 = 24 ✓, S(5) = −50 + 70 = 20 ✓; regression returns the same). (c) (i) [1] −2t² + 14t = 0 → 2t(7 − t) = 0 → t = 7: week 7. (ii) [1] S(8) = −128 + 112 = −16 — negative sales, impossible. The model breaks down past its zero at t = 7, and week 8 lies outside the observed weeks 1–5; the prediction should not be used.

FRQ 2 [6 pts]

(a) (i) [1] Midline (15.2 + 9.2)/2 = 12.2 h; amplitude (15.2 − 9.2)/2 = 3 h. (ii) [1] Max to min should be half a period: 355 − 172 = 183 = 366/2 ✓. (b) [2] b = 2π/366 = π/183; cosine peaking at t = 172: D(t) = 12.2 + 3 cos(π(t − 172)/183). [1 pt for a, d and structure; 1 pt for b and the shift. Any equivalent sine form earns full credit.] Check: D(172) = 15.2 ✓; D(355) = 12.2 + 3cos(π) = 9.2 ✓. (c) (i) [1] D(264) = 12.2 + 3 cos(π(92)/183) ≈ 12.2 + 3(−0.009) ≈ 12.17 h. (ii) [1] Day 264 is between the max (172) and min (355), so daylight is decreasing; D(264) ≈ 12.17 is essentially at the midline (12.2), and a sinusoid changes fastest at its midline crossings — so daylight is shortening at close to its maximum rate (roughly 2π·3/366 ≈ 0.05 h/day near the crossing).

FRQ 3 [6 pts]

(a) [2] Base 3: 3^(2(x−1)) = 3^(3x/2) [1] → 2x − 2 = 3x/2 → 4x − 4 = 3x → x = 4 [1]. (Check: 9³ = 729 = 27² ✓) (b) [2] ln(x²/(x + 4)) = 0 → x² = x + 4 → x² − x − 4 = 0 → x = (1 ± √17)/2 [1]. Need x > 0 (for ln x): reject (1 − √17)/2 < 0. x = (1 + √17)/2 [1]. (c) [2] 2 sin θ cos θ − sin θ = 0 → sin θ(2 cos θ − 1) = 0 [1] → sin θ = 0: θ = 0, π; cos θ = 1/2: θ = π/3, 5π/3. {0, π/3, π, 5π/3} [1]. (Dividing by sin θ would have lost 0 and π.)

FRQ 4 [6 pts]

(a) (i) [1] f(x) = 3(x − 2)(x + 2)/((x − 4)(x + 2)); domain x ≠ −2, 4. (ii) [1] At x = −2: multiplicities 1 = 1 → hole; simplified form 3(x − 2)/(x − 4) at −2: 3(−4)/(−6) = 2 → hole at (−2, 2). At x = 4: denominator only → vertical asymptote x = 4. (b) (i) [1] Equal degrees, leading ratio 3x²/x² = 3: lim x→±∞ f(x) = 3; horizontal asymptote y = 3. (ii) [1] Crossing requires f(x) = 3: 3x² − 12 = 3(x² − 2x − 8) → −12 = −6x − 24 → x = −2 — but x = −2 is excluded from the domain (the hole). The graph never crosses y = 3; the only algebraic candidate is the missing point. (c) [2] Using 3(x − 2)/(x − 4) near x = 4: numerator ≈ 3(2) = 6 > 0. As x → 4⁻, (x − 4) → 0⁻: lim x→4⁻ f(x) = −∞; as x → 4⁺, (x − 4) → 0⁺: lim x→4⁺ f(x) = +∞. [1 pt for correct limit statements, 1 pt for the sign justification]

Scoring Worksheet

  1. Section I raw: ___/40 → I% = raw/40
  2. Section II raw: ___/24 (four FRQs × 6) → II% = raw/24
  3. Composite = 0.625·(I%) + 0.375·(II%) = ___

Estimated AP score bands (estimates only — real cut points vary by year and are set after scaling):

Composite Estimated AP score
≥ 0.70 5
0.60–0.69 4
0.47–0.59 3
0.35–0.46 2
< 0.35 1

Post-Exam Review Protocol

  1. Every Section I miss: find its lesson tag in the key; redo that lesson's practice set before exam day.
  2. Every FRQ point lost: classify it — content (didn't know), communication (knew it, didn't say it in credited language), or mechanical (arithmetic/mode/rounding). Communication and mechanical losses are the cheapest to fix and typically account for a third of lost FRQ points.
  3. Timing audit: note where you ran short. Part A pacing problems → drill 10-question no-calc sets at 30 minutes. FRQ overruns → rehearse the four task-model templates (Lesson 25's playbook) until setup is automatic.
  4. Common traps this exam planted, worth re-checking even if you dodged them: the reversed-order composition (Q18), the extraneous log solution (Q23), the arccos twin-solution (Q36), the hole-not-a-crossing (FRQ 4b), and dividing away solutions (FRQ 3c).

Score summary

Your running multiple-choice score appears in the bar below. Self-score the free-response section with the rubrics in the answer key, then use the diagnostic table to target review.

← All lessons
End of course
--:--Score: 0/0 correct