MHB Are AP Physics equations allowed in a AP Calc test?

AI Thread Summary
Using physics equations in AP Calculus exams may be permissible, but students should justify any non-standard equations they include. It's important to understand that while some calculus problems can relate to physics concepts, graders expect solutions to adhere to calculus principles. A common scenario involves deriving equations related to motion, where integration is key. Students are advised to familiarize themselves with past exam papers and seek guidance from teachers regarding acceptable practices. Ultimately, integrating knowledge from both subjects can enhance problem-solving skills, but clarity and justification are crucial when presenting solutions.
Adrian3
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
The only reason I ask is that I'm in both classes (AP Physics C:Mechanics/AP Calc BC) and I find myself using formulas from one class to answer the question in another class. I did one question in Calc involving the motion of an object and used some physics formulas to solve it. The work for both solutions was similar (like solving for the time using the same derived formula etc). The only problem for Calc would be rectilinear motion as far as I've learned and Work. I want to know if an AP grader of either exam would take off for using a physics formula or vice-versa?
 
Last edited:
Mathematics news on Phys.org
Adrian said:
The only reason I ask is that I'm in both classes (AP Physics C:Mechanics/AP Calc BC) and I find myself using formulas from one class to answer the question in another class. I did one question in Calc involving the motion of an object and used some physics formulas to solve it. The work for both solutions was similar (like solving for the time using the same derived formula etc). The only problem for Calc would be rectilinear motion as far as I've learned and Work. I want to know if an AP grader of either exam would take off for using a physics formula or vice-versa?

I would imagine you'd be able to use working out that works but the only people who'll know are the exam board but I'd recommend looking at past papers or ask a teacher
 
I took both AP Calc BC and AP Physics when I was a senior in high school. That was almost 10 years ago but if my memory serves me correctly you need to justify any equations you bring in if it's not in the standard calculus curriculum, meaning very standard. A common physics question that is asked on the Calc exams is one related to 2-d motion. They will give you the acceleration and ask you to derive (through integration) the equation for velocity or displacement. I would be careful of just bringing in an outside equation with no explanation and using that as the main tool to answer the question.
 
You can basically derive all the physics formulas by calculus. If you can only solve a problem with the physics method, look at how the method ties in with calculus and try it...you may find yourself being proficient at using both ways.
 
Seemingly by some mathematical coincidence, a hexagon of sides 2,2,7,7, 11, and 11 can be inscribed in a circle of radius 7. The other day I saw a math problem on line, which they said came from a Polish Olympiad, where you compute the length x of the 3rd side which is the same as the radius, so that the sides of length 2,x, and 11 are inscribed on the arc of a semi-circle. The law of cosines applied twice gives the answer for x of exactly 7, but the arithmetic is so complex that the...
Is it possible to arrange six pencils such that each one touches the other five? If so, how? This is an adaption of a Martin Gardner puzzle only I changed it from cigarettes to pencils and left out the clues because PF folks don’t need clues. From the book “My Best Mathematical and Logic Puzzles”. Dover, 1994.

Similar threads

Back
Top