★ AP Calculus BC · 2017 · Section II Free-Response

Complete FRQ Mastery Guide

Concept foundations · Step-by-step solutions · Model answers · TI-Nspire CX II directions

🎯 Built for a Perfect Score
1
Volume of a Tank · Cross-Sectional Area
🖩 Calculator Required Riemann Sums Definite Integral Related Rates 9 points total
Setup: A 10-ft tank has cross-sectional area \(A(h)\) at height \(h\). \(A\) is continuous and decreasing. Data:
h (feet)02510
A(h) (sq ft)50.314.46.52.9
Model: \(\displaystyle f(h) = \frac{50.3}{e^{0.2h}+h}\)
A LEFT RIEMANN SUM · 3 Subintervals
Use a left Riemann sum with three subintervals to approximate the volume of the tank. Indicate units.

📐 Core Concept

Volume = \(\displaystyle\int_0^{10} A(h)\,dh\). A Riemann sum approximates this integral. A Left sum uses the left endpoint of each subinterval as the sample point. The three subintervals from the table are \([0,2]\), \([2,5]\), \([5,10]\).

⚡ Key Point — Left Riemann Sum Formula

For each subinterval \([a,b]\), the contribution is \(A(\text{left endpoint}) \times \Delta h\).

  • Subinterval \([0,2]\): width \(= 2\), left endpoint \(h=0\) → \(A(0)=50.3\)
  • Subinterval \([2,5]\): width \(= 3\), left endpoint \(h=2\) → \(A(2)=14.4\)
  • Subinterval \([5,10]\): width \(= 5\), left endpoint \(h=5\) → \(A(5)=6.5\)

✅ Model Answer (a)

\(L = A(0)\cdot 2 + A(2)\cdot 3 + A(5)\cdot 5\)

\(= 50.3(2) + 14.4(3) + 6.5(5)\)

\(= 100.6 + 43.2 + 32.5\)

Volume ≈ 176.3 cubic feet
B OVERESTIMATE OR UNDERESTIMATE?
Does the approximation in (a) overestimate or underestimate the volume? Explain your reasoning.

📐 Core Concept — Left Sum & Monotonicity

When a function is decreasing on an interval, the left endpoint gives the largest value in that interval. So the left Riemann sum rectangle is taller than the actual curve, producing an overestimate.

⚠️ Common Trap

Students say "overestimate" without linking it to the function being decreasing. You must state: "Because A is decreasing, left endpoints are larger than all other values in the subinterval, so each rectangle overestimates the actual area." — This reasoning is required for full credit.

✅ Model Answer (b)

The approximation is an overestimate.

Because A is continuous and decreasing, the value at the left endpoint of each subinterval is greater than or equal to A(h) for all h in that subinterval. Therefore each rectangular approximation lies above the graph of A, and the left Riemann sum overestimates the volume.

C EXACT VOLUME USING THE MODEL
Using \(f(h)=\dfrac{50.3}{e^{0.2h}+h}\), find the volume of the tank. Indicate units.

📐 Core Concept

Volume \(= \displaystyle\int_0^{10} f(h)\,dh\). This integral has no elementary antiderivative, so use the calculator.

🖩 TI-Nspire CX II — Numerical Integral

  1. Press menu4: Calculus3: Numerical Integral (nInt)
  2. OR type directly in Calculator app: nInt(50.3/(e^(0.2x)+x), x, 0, 10)
  3. Alternatively: press template, enter 50.3/(e^(0.2x)+x), lower=0, upper=10, variable=x
  4. Press enter → Read the result

⚡ Make sure angle mode is Radian (irrelevant here, but good habit).

✅ Model Answer (c)

\(\displaystyle V = \int_0^{10} \frac{50.3}{e^{0.2h}+h}\,dh\)

V ≈ 101.325 cubic feet
D RELATED RATES — dV/dt
At \(h=5\), the height is increasing at 0.26 ft/min. Find \(\tfrac{dV}{dt}\) at \(h=5\). Indicate units.

📐 Core Concept — Chain Rule for Volume

The volume of water up to height h is \(\displaystyle V(h)=\int_0^h f(t)\,dt\). By the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus:

\(\dfrac{dV}{dh} = f(h)\)

Then by the chain rule: \(\dfrac{dV}{dt} = f(h)\cdot\dfrac{dh}{dt}\)

⚡ Key Point

  • Compute \(f(5) = \dfrac{50.3}{e^{1}+5}\)
  • Multiply by \(\dfrac{dh}{dt} = 0.26\)

🖩 TI-Nspire CX II — Evaluate f(5)

  1. In Calculator app type: 50.3/(e^(0.2·5)+5) → press enter
  2. Result ≈ 6.0 … then multiply by 0.26

✅ Model Answer (d)

\(\dfrac{dV}{dt} = f(5)\cdot\dfrac{dh}{dt}\)

\(f(5) = \dfrac{50.3}{e^{1}+5} \approx 6.0 \text{ sq ft}\)

\(\dfrac{dV}{dt} = 6.0 \times 0.26\)

dV/dt ≈ 1.560 cubic feet per minute
2
Polar Curves · Area · Distance · Average Value
🖩 Calculator Required Polar Area Average Value 9 points total
Setup: Two polar curves on \(0\le\theta\le\tfrac{\pi}{2}\): \(r = f(\theta) = 1+\sin\theta\cos(2\theta)\) and \(r=g(\theta)=2\cos\theta\). Region R: bounded by \(f(\theta)\) and x-axis (first quadrant). Region S: bounded by \(f(\theta)\), \(g(\theta)\), and x-axis (first quadrant).
A AREA OF REGION R
Find the area of R.

📐 Core Concept — Polar Area Formula

Area bounded by \(r=f(\theta)\) between \(\theta=\alpha\) and \(\theta=\beta\):

\(\displaystyle A = \frac{1}{2}\int_\alpha^\beta [f(\theta)]^2\,d\theta\)

Region R spans \(\theta\in[0, \pi/2]\) and is entirely bounded by \(r=f(\theta)\) and the x-axis (the origin).

⚠️ Critical Trap — Don't forget the ½ !

The polar area formula has a \(\frac{1}{2}\) factor. Forgetting it is the single most common polar area error.

🖩 TI-Nspire CX II

  1. Calculator app: nInt(0.5*(1+sin(x)*cos(2x))^2, x, 0, π/2)
  2. Or use Integral template: \(\frac{1}{2}\int_0^{\pi/2}(1+\sin\theta\cos2\theta)^2\,d\theta\)
  3. Make sure mode is Radian: menu → Settings → Angle: Radian

✅ Model Answer (a)

\(\displaystyle A_R = \frac{1}{2}\int_0^{\pi/2}\bigl[1+\sin\theta\cos(2\theta)\bigr]^2\,d\theta\)

A_R ≈ 0.648
B RAY θ = k DIVIDES S EQUALLY
Write (but do not solve) an equation whose solution gives k, the ray that divides S into two equal areas.

📐 Core Concept

First, find the intersection of \(f(\theta)\) and \(g(\theta)\) in \((0,\pi/2)\) — call it \(\theta^*\). Region S is bounded by \(f\) from \(0\) to \(\theta^*\), and then by \(g\) from \(\theta^*\) to \(\pi/2\) (or you express S as the total area between the curves + piece by piece). The ray \(\theta=k\) splits S into two pieces of equal area.

⚡ Strategy — Setting Up the Equation

  • Find \(\theta^*\): solve \(f(\theta)=g(\theta)\) numerically → \(\theta^*\approx 1.1731\)
  • Area of S = \(\frac{1}{2}\int_0^{\theta^*}[f]^2\,d\theta + \frac{1}{2}\int_{\theta^*}^{\pi/2}[g]^2\,d\theta\)
  • Left piece up to k = Half of S

🖩 TI-Nspire CX II — Find intersection θ*

  1. In Graphs app: enter \(f(\theta)=1+\sin\theta\cos(2\theta)\) and \(g(\theta)=2\cos\theta\) in polar mode
  2. Or in Calculator: solve(1+sin(x)*cos(2x)=2*cos(x), x) | 0<x<π/2
  3. \(\theta^*\approx 1.1731\) rad

✅ Model Answer (b)

Let \(\theta^*\approx 1.1731\) be where \(f(\theta)=g(\theta)\) in \((0,\pi/2)\). Then:

Area of \(S = \frac{1}{2}\displaystyle\int_0^{\theta^*}[f(\theta)]^2\,d\theta + \frac{1}{2}\int_{\theta^*}^{\pi/2}[g(\theta)]^2\,d\theta\)

The equation for \(k\) (where \(0<k<\theta^*\)):

½∫₀ᵏ [f(θ)]² dθ = ½ · (Area of S)
C DISTANCE w(θ) AND AVERAGE VALUE
Write \(w(\theta)=\) distance between the two polar points. Find \(w_A\), the average value of \(w\) on \([0,\pi/2]\).

📐 Core Concept — Distance in Polar Coordinates

Both points are on the same ray \(\theta\), so the distance between \((f(\theta),\theta)\) and \((g(\theta),\theta)\) is simply:

\(w(\theta) = |g(\theta) - f(\theta)| = |2\cos\theta - 1 - \sin\theta\cos(2\theta)|\)

Average value: \(\displaystyle w_A = \frac{1}{\pi/2-0}\int_0^{\pi/2}w(\theta)\,d\theta\)

⚠️ Trap — Sign / Absolute Value

Check which curve is larger. For most of \([0,\pi/2]\), \(g\ge f\), but near \(\theta=\pi/2\) this can flip. Use absolute value or check intersection to avoid negative distances.

🖩 TI-Nspire CX II — Average Value

  1. nInt(abs(2cos(x)-(1+sin(x)*cos(2x))), x, 0, π/2) / (π/2)

✅ Model Answer (c)

\(w(\theta) = |2\cos\theta - 1 - \sin\theta\cos(2\theta)|\)

\(\displaystyle w_A = \frac{2}{\pi}\int_0^{\pi/2}w(\theta)\,d\theta\)

w_A ≈ 0.4338
D FIND θ WHERE w(θ) = wA; INCREASING OR DECREASING?
Find \(\theta\) where \(w(\theta)=w_A\). Is \(w\) increasing or decreasing at that value?

⚡ Strategy

  • Solve \(w(\theta)=w_A\approx 0.4338\) numerically using calculator
  • To determine increasing/decreasing: check \(w'(\theta)\) at that value (numerically)
  • Or observe the graph of \(w(\theta)\) to see the slope direction

🖩 TI-Nspire CX II

  1. In Graphs app, graph \(y = 2\cos(x)-(1+\sin(x)\cos(2x))\) and \(y=w_A\approx 0.4338\)
  2. Find intersection: menu → 6: Analyze Graph → 4: Intersection
  3. For derivative: nDeriv(2cos(x)-(1+sin(x)*cos(2x)), x, θ_value)

✅ Model Answer (d)

Solving \(w(\theta)=0.4338\) on \([0,\pi/2]\) gives \(\theta\approx 0.9058\).

Checking \(w'(0.9058)\): since \(w'(\theta)<0\) at this point, the function is decreasing.

θ ≈ 0.9058; w(θ) is DECREASING at this value because w′(θ) < 0
3
Reading Graph of f ′ · FTC · Absolute Extrema · f ′′
No Calculator FTC Part 1 Graph Analysis 9 points total
Setup: \(f\) differentiable on \([-6,5]\), \(f(-2)=7\). The graph of \(f'\) consists of a semicircle and three line segments. Key features from the graph: \(f'(-6)=2\), \(f'(3)=2\) (peak), \(f'\) is a semicircle on approximately \([-1,1]\), and has zeros at certain points.
A FIND f(−6) AND f(5)
Find f(−6) and f(5).

📐 Core Concept — FTC Part 2 (Net Change)

\(\displaystyle f(b) = f(a) + \int_a^b f'(x)\,dx\)

We know \(f(-2)=7\). Use this as the anchor and integrate \(f'\) (geometrically — count areas under the graph of \(f'\)) to reach \(-6\) and \(5\).

⚡ Geometric Areas from Graph of f′

  • \(\displaystyle\int_{-6}^{-2}f'(x)\,dx\): Line segment from \((-6,2)\) to \((-1,0)\) → trapezoid area. From the graph: area \(= \frac{1}{2}(2+0)\cdot 4 = 4\) (triangle) and the segment from \(-2\) to \(-1\) contributes \(\frac{1}{2}(1)(?)…\) — read carefully from the graph. The segment goes from \((-6,2)\) to \((-1,0)\), so over \([-6,-2]\) (width 4): area ≈ \(\frac{1}{2}(2+\frac{2}{5})\cdot 4\). Use exact geometry from the graph.
  • Semicircle on \([-1,1]\): area = \(\frac{1}{2}\pi(1)^2 = \frac{\pi}{2}\) (below x-axis → negative)
  • Line from \((1,0)\) to \((3,2)\), then \((3,2)\) to \((5,0)\): triangles

⚠️ Critical — Signed Areas!

Areas where \(f'<0\) (below x-axis) are subtracted. The semicircle is below the x-axis → its contribution is \(-\frac{\pi}{2}\). Don't add it as a positive area!

✅ Model Answer (a)

For f(−6): Using \(f(-2)=f(-6)+\int_{-6}^{-2}f'(x)\,dx\)

From graph: \(\int_{-6}^{-2}f'(x)\,dx\). The graph of \(f'\) is linear from \((-6,2)\) to \((-1,0)\). Over \([-6,-2]\) this is a trapezoid: \(\frac{1}{2}(f'(-6)+f'(-2))\cdot 4 = \frac{1}{2}(2+\frac{2}{5})\cdot 4\).

More precisely from the graph: slope = \(\frac{0-2}{-1-(-6)}=\frac{-2}{5}\), so \(f'(-2)=2+\frac{-2}{5}(4)=2-\frac{8}{5}=\frac{2}{5}\). Trapezoid area \(=\frac{1}{2}(2+\frac{2}{5})\cdot 4 = \frac{1}{2}\cdot\frac{12}{5}\cdot 4 = \frac{24}{5}\).

\(7 = f(-6) + \frac{24}{5}\) → \(f(-6) = 7 - \frac{24}{5} = \frac{11}{5}\)

For f(5): \(f(5)=f(-2)+\int_{-2}^{5}f'(x)\,dx\)

Piece \([-2,-1]\): triangle, area \(=\frac{1}{2}\cdot 1\cdot\frac{2}{5}=\frac{1}{5}\) (positive)

Piece \([-1,1]\): semicircle below x-axis, area \(=-\frac{\pi}{2}\)

Piece \([1,3]\): triangle above x-axis, area \(=\frac{1}{2}(2)(2)=2\)

Piece \([3,5]\): triangle above x-axis, area \(=\frac{1}{2}(2)(2)=2\)

\(\int_{-2}^{5}f'(x)\,dx = \frac{1}{5} - \frac{\pi}{2} + 2 + 2 = \frac{21}{5}-\frac{\pi}{2}\)

f(−6) = 11/5 = 2.2  |  f(5) = 7 + 21/5 − π/2 ≈ 10.633
B WHERE IS f INCREASING?
On what intervals is f increasing? Justify.

📐 Core Concept

\(f\) is increasing where \(f'(x)>0\). Read directly from the graph of \(f'\).

✅ Model Answer (b)

From the graph, \(f'(x)>0\) on \((-6,-1)\) and \((1,5)\).

Therefore \(f\) is increasing on \(\mathbf{[-6,-1]}\) and \(\mathbf{[1,5]}\).

f is increasing on [−6, −1] and [1, 5] because f ′(x) > 0 on those intervals.
C ABSOLUTE MINIMUM ON [−6, 5]
Find the absolute minimum value of f on [−6, 5]. Justify.

📐 Core Concept — Closed Interval Method

Evaluate f at all critical points (where \(f'=0\) or undefined) inside the interval AND at the endpoints. The smallest value is the absolute minimum.

⚡ Critical Points from Graph of f′

  • \(f'(-1)=0\): local max (f increases before, decreases after) → f has a local max
  • \(f'(1)=0\): local min (f decreases before, increases after) → f has a local min
  • Endpoints: \(f(-6)\) and \(f(5)\)

✅ Model Answer (c)

Candidates: \(f(-6)=\frac{11}{5}\), \(f(-1)\), \(f(1)\), \(f(5)\)

\(f(-1) = f(-2) + \int_{-2}^{-1}f'(x)\,dx = 7 + \frac{1}{5} = \frac{36}{5}\)

\(f(1) = f(-1) + \int_{-1}^{1}f'(x)\,dx = \frac{36}{5} - \frac{\pi}{2} \approx 5.629\)

Comparing: \(f(-6)\approx 2.2\), \(f(1)\approx 5.629\), \(f(5)\approx 10.633\), \(f(-1)=7.2\)

Absolute minimum value is f(−6) = 11/5 = 2.2
D FIND f ′′(−5) AND f ′′(3)
For each of f ′′(−5) and f ′′(3), find the value or explain why it does not exist.

📐 Core Concept

\(f''(x)\) is the slope (derivative) of \(f'(x)\). Read the slope of the graph of \(f'\) at those points.

⚠️ When f ′′ Does NOT Exist

If the graph of \(f'\) has a sharp corner at a point, then \(f'\) is not differentiable there → \(f''(x)\) does not exist. At \(x=3\), the graph of \(f'\) has a corner (the line segments from left and right have different slopes), so \(f''(3)\) does not exist.

✅ Model Answer (d)

f ′′(−5): The graph of \(f'\) is a straight line on \((-6,-1)\). Slope \(= \frac{0-2}{-1-(-6)}=\frac{-2}{5}\).

\(f''(-5) = -\dfrac{2}{5}\)

f ′′(3): The graph of \(f'\) has a corner at \(x=3\) (peak of two line segments with different slopes). The left-side slope and right-side slope of \(f'\) are different, so \(f'\) is not differentiable at \(x=3\).

f ′′(−5) = −2/5  |  f ′′(3) does not exist (corner in graph of f ′)
4
Differential Equations · Tangent Line · Concavity · Separable ODE
No Calculator Differential Equations Separable ODE 9 points total
Setup: \(\dfrac{dH}{dt} = -\dfrac{1}{4}(H-27)\), \(H(0)=91\). (Newton's Law of Cooling)
A TANGENT LINE AT t = 0; APPROXIMATE H(3)
Write the tangent line at t = 0. Approximate H(3).

📐 Core Concept — Linearization

The tangent line at \((0, H(0))\) is \(L(t) = H(0) + H'(0)\cdot t\).

Compute \(H'(0)\) by plugging into the differential equation.

✅ Model Answer (a)

\(H'(0) = -\frac{1}{4}(H(0)-27) = -\frac{1}{4}(91-27) = -\frac{1}{4}(64) = -16\)

Tangent line: \(L(t) = 91 - 16t\)

Approximation: \(L(3) = 91 - 16(3) = 91 - 48 = 43\)

L(t) = 91 − 16t  |  H(3) ≈ 43 °C
B OVERESTIMATE OR UNDERESTIMATE? USE d²H/dt²
Use \(\dfrac{d^2H}{dt^2}\) to determine if the approximation in (a) is an over- or underestimate.

📐 Core Concept — Concavity & Tangent Line

If \(H'' > 0\) (concave up), the graph lies above the tangent line → tangent line approximation is an underestimate. If \(H'' < 0\), it's an overestimate.

⚡ Compute H″

Differentiate \(\frac{dH}{dt} = -\frac{1}{4}(H-27)\) with respect to t:

\(\dfrac{d^2H}{dt^2} = -\dfrac{1}{4}\cdot\dfrac{dH}{dt} = -\dfrac{1}{4}\cdot\left(-\dfrac{1}{4}(H-27)\right) = \dfrac{1}{16}(H-27)\)

Since \(H(t) > 27\) for all \(t > 0\), we have \(H'' > 0\) → concave up.

✅ Model Answer (b)

\(\dfrac{d^2H}{dt^2} = \dfrac{1}{16}(H-27) > 0\) for \(H > 27\).

Since H is concave up, the graph of H lies above its tangent line.

The approximation H(3) ≈ 43°C is an UNDERESTIMATE because H″ > 0 (concave up).
C SOLVE ALTERNATE MODEL; FIND G(3)
Solve \(\dfrac{dG}{dt} = -\dfrac{(G-27)^{3/2}}{91-27}\), \(G(0)=91\). Find G(3).

📐 Core Concept — Separable ODE

The equation is \(\dfrac{dG}{dt} = -\dfrac{(G-27)^{3/2}}{64}\). Separate variables and integrate both sides.

⚡ Step-by-Step Solution

  • 1 Separate: \(\dfrac{dG}{(G-27)^{3/2}} = -\dfrac{1}{64}\,dt\)
  • 2 Integrate left: \(\displaystyle\int (G-27)^{-3/2}\,dG = \frac{(G-27)^{-1/2}}{-1/2} = -2(G-27)^{-1/2}\)
  • 3 Integrate right: \(-\dfrac{t}{64} + C\)
  • 4 Equation: \(-2(G-27)^{-1/2} = -\dfrac{t}{64} + C\)
  • 5 Apply IC \(G(0)=91\): \(-2(64)^{-1/2}=-2\cdot\frac{1}{8}=-\frac{1}{4}\), so \(C=-\frac{1}{4}\)
  • 6 Solve for G: \(-2(G-27)^{-1/2}=-\frac{t}{64}-\frac{1}{4}=-\frac{t+16}{64}\)
  • 7 \((G-27)^{-1/2}=\dfrac{t+16}{128}\), so \((G-27)^{1/2}=\dfrac{128}{t+16}\)
  • 8 \(G(t) = 27+\left(\dfrac{128}{t+16}\right)^2\)

⚠️ Don't Drop the Constant C!

Every separable ODE integration must include +C. Apply the initial condition immediately after integrating, before solving for G.

✅ Model Answer (c)

\(\displaystyle G(t) = 27 + \left(\frac{128}{t+16}\right)^2\)

\(G(3) = 27 + \left(\dfrac{128}{19}\right)^2 = 27 + \dfrac{16384}{361}\)

G(3) = 27 + 16384/361 ≈ 72.380 °C
5
Rational Function · Critical Points · Improper Integral · Series Convergence
No Calculator Partial Fractions Improper Integral Series Test 9 points total
Setup: \(\displaystyle f(x) = \frac{3}{2x^2 - 7x + 5} = \frac{3}{(2x-5)(x-1)}\). Partial fractions identity: \(f(x) = \dfrac{1}{x-1} - \dfrac{2}{2x-5}\).
A SLOPE OF TANGENT AT x = 3
Find the slope of the tangent to f at x = 3.

✅ Model Answer (a)

\(f(x) = \dfrac{3}{2x^2-7x+5}\)

\(f'(x) = \dfrac{-3(4x-7)}{(2x^2-7x+5)^2}\)

\(f'(3) = \dfrac{-3(12-7)}{(18-21+5)^2} = \dfrac{-15}{(2)^2} = \dfrac{-15}{4}\)

Slope = −15/4
B CRITICAL POINTS ON (1, 2.5)
Find each critical point of f in (1, 2.5). Classify as relative min, max, or neither.

📐 Core Concept

Critical points: where \(f'(x)=0\) or undefined (but inside domain). Use the partial fractions form to differentiate more easily, or use the quotient rule result.

Using \(f'(x)=0\): numerator of \(f'\) = \(-3(4x-7)=0\) → \(x=\frac{7}{4}=1.75\). Check this is in \((1, 2.5)\): yes.

⚡ First or Second Derivative Test

At \(x=\frac{7}{4}\): check sign of \(f'\) on each side. For \(x<\frac{7}{4}\): \(4x-7<0\) so \(f'>0\). For \(x>\frac{7}{4}\): \(4x-7>0\) so \(f'<0\). Sign changes \(+\to-\) → relative maximum.

✅ Model Answer (b)

Setting \(f'(x)=0\): \(-3(4x-7)=0\) → \(x=\frac{7}{4}\)

\(f'>0\) for \(x<\frac{7}{4}\) and \(f'<0\) for \(x>\frac{7}{4}\)

x = 7/4 is a relative MAXIMUM (f ′ changes from + to −)
C IMPROPER INTEGRAL ∫₅^∞ f(x) dx
Using the partial fraction identity, evaluate \(\int_5^\infty f(x)\,dx\) or show it diverges.

📐 Core Concept — Improper Integral & Partial Fractions

Given: \(f(x) = \dfrac{1}{x-1}-\dfrac{2}{2x-5}\)

\(\displaystyle\int f(x)\,dx = \ln|x-1| - \ln|2x-5| + C = \ln\left|\frac{x-1}{2x-5}\right| + C\)

Evaluate as a limit: \(\displaystyle\lim_{b\to\infty}\left[\ln\left(\frac{x-1}{2x-5}\right)\right]_5^b\)

⚡ Key Limit

As \(x\to\infty\): \(\dfrac{x-1}{2x-5}\to\dfrac{1}{2}\). So the limit = \(\ln\tfrac{1}{2}\).

At \(x=5\): \(\ln\dfrac{4}{5}\).

✅ Model Answer (c)

\(\displaystyle\int_5^\infty f(x)\,dx = \lim_{b\to\infty}\left[\ln\left(\frac{x-1}{2x-5}\right)\right]_5^b\)

\(= \ln\frac{1}{2} - \ln\frac{4}{5} = \ln\frac{1}{2}\cdot\frac{5}{4} = \ln\frac{5}{8}\)

∫₅^∞ f(x) dx = ln(5/8) (converges)
D SERIES CONVERGENCE ∑ f(n) FROM n=5
Determine whether \(\displaystyle\sum_{n=5}^{\infty}\frac{3}{2n^2-7n+5}\) converges or diverges.

📐 Core Concept — Integral Test

Since \(f(x)\) is continuous, positive, and decreasing on \([5,\infty)\), the Integral Test applies: the series converges iff \(\int_5^\infty f(x)\,dx\) converges.

⚡ State ALL Integral Test Conditions

  • \(f(x)\) is continuous on \([5,\infty)\) ✓ (no poles for \(x\ge 5\))
  • \(f(x)\) is positive on \([5,\infty)\) ✓
  • \(f(x)\) is decreasing on \([5,\infty)\) ✓ (since \(f'<0\) there)

You MUST state all three conditions for full credit.

✅ Model Answer (d)

Since \(f(x)\) is continuous, positive, and decreasing on \([5,\infty)\), the Integral Test applies.

From part (c), \(\displaystyle\int_5^\infty f(x)\,dx = \ln\tfrac{5}{8}\), which converges.

The series CONVERGES by the Integral Test.
6
Maclaurin Series · Convergence · Error Bound
No Calculator Taylor Series Alternating Series Error Bound 9 points total
Setup: \(f^{(0)}(0)=0\), \(f'(0)=1\), \(f^{(n)}(0)=(-1)^{n+1}(n-1)!\cdot f^{(0)}\)… More precisely: \(f(0)=0\), \(f'(0)=1\), \(f^{(n)}(0)=0\) for \(n\ge 1\) odd and \((-1)^{n+1}(n-1)!\) for \(n\ge 2\). The Maclaurin series for \(f\) converges to \(f(x)\) for \(|x|<1\). The conditions are: \(f(0)=0\), \(f'(0)=1\), \(f^{(n)}(0)=(-1)^{n+1}(n-1)!\) for \(n\ge 1\).
A FIRST FOUR TERMS & GENERAL TERM OF MACLAURIN SERIES
Show the first four nonzero terms and write the general term.

📐 Core Concept — Maclaurin Series

\(\displaystyle f(x) = \sum_{n=0}^\infty \frac{f^{(n)}(0)}{n!}x^n\)

Plug in the given derivative values at \(x=0\).

⚡ Derivative Values (from given conditions)

  • \(f(0)=0\), \(f'(0)=1\), \(f''(0)=(-1)^2\cdot 1!=1\)? Check: \((-1)^{n+1}(n-1)!\) at \(n=2\): \((-1)^3\cdot 1!=-1\). At \(n=3\): \((-1)^4\cdot 2!=2\). At \(n=4\): \((-1)^5\cdot 3!=-6\).

✅ Model Answer (a)

Term for \(n=1\): \(\dfrac{f'(0)}{1!}x = x\)

Term for \(n=2\): \(\dfrac{f''(0)}{2!}x^2 = \dfrac{-1}{2}x^2 = -\dfrac{x^2}{2}\)

Term for \(n=3\): \(\dfrac{2}{6}x^3 = \dfrac{x^3}{3}\)

Term for \(n=4\): \(\dfrac{-6}{24}x^4 = -\dfrac{x^4}{4}\)

First four terms: \(x - \dfrac{x^2}{2} + \dfrac{x^3}{3} - \dfrac{x^4}{4} + \cdots\)

General term: (−1)^(n+1) · x^n / n for n ≥ 1 (This is the series for ln(1+x))
B CONVERGENCE AT x = 1
Does the Maclaurin series converge absolutely, conditionally, or diverge at x = 1?

📐 Core Concept — Absolute vs Conditional Convergence

At \(x=1\): series = \(\displaystyle\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{(-1)^{n+1}}{n} = 1-\frac{1}{2}+\frac{1}{3}-\frac{1}{4}+\cdots\)

Absolute convergence test: \(\displaystyle\sum\left|\frac{(-1)^{n+1}}{n}\right|=\sum\frac{1}{n}\) — this is the harmonic series, which diverges.

Conditional convergence: The alternating series \(\sum\frac{(-1)^{n+1}}{n}\) satisfies AST conditions (terms decrease to 0) → converges.

✅ Model Answer (b)

At \(x=1\): the series becomes \(\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{(-1)^{n+1}}{n}\).

The series of absolute values is \(\sum\frac{1}{n}\) (harmonic series), which diverges — so the series is not absolutely convergent.

By the Alternating Series Test (terms \(\frac{1}{n}\to 0\) and are decreasing), the alternating series converges.

The series CONVERGES CONDITIONALLY at x = 1.
C MACLAURIN SERIES FOR g(x) = ∫₀ˣ f(t) dt
Write the first four terms and general term of the Maclaurin series for g.

📐 Core Concept — Integrate Term-by-Term

If \(f(x)=\displaystyle\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{(-1)^{n+1}x^n}{n}\), then integrate from 0 to x term by term:

\(g(x)=\displaystyle\int_0^x f(t)\,dt = \sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{(-1)^{n+1}}{n}\cdot\frac{x^{n+1}}{n+1}\)

✅ Model Answer (c)

\(g(x) = \dfrac{x^2}{1\cdot 2} - \dfrac{x^3}{2\cdot 3} + \dfrac{x^4}{3\cdot 4} - \dfrac{x^5}{4\cdot 5}+\cdots\)

\(= \dfrac{x^2}{2} - \dfrac{x^3}{6} + \dfrac{x^4}{12} - \dfrac{x^5}{20}+\cdots\)

General term: (−1)^(n+1) · x^(n+1) / [n(n+1)] for n ≥ 1
D ALTERNATING SERIES ERROR BOUND
Show that \(\left|P_4\!\left(\tfrac{1}{2}\right)-g\!\left(\tfrac{1}{2}\right)\right|<\tfrac{1}{500}\).

📐 Core Concept — Alternating Series Error Bound

For an alternating series satisfying AST conditions, the error from using the first \(n\) terms is bounded by the absolute value of the first omitted term:

\(|S - P_n| \le |a_{n+1}|\)

⚡ Strategy

\(P_4\) is the degree-4 Taylor polynomial for g. The first omitted term in the series for g is the \(n=4\) term (degree 5 term):

First omitted term at \(x=\frac{1}{2}\): \(\dfrac{(1/2)^5}{4\cdot 5} = \dfrac{1/32}{20} = \dfrac{1}{640}\)

Since \(\dfrac{1}{640} < \dfrac{1}{500}\), the bound is established. ✓

⚠️ State AST Conditions Explicitly

You must verify that the series is alternating, the terms decrease in absolute value, and the terms approach 0. Don't just cite the bound without verifying conditions.

✅ Model Answer (d)

The series for \(g(x)\) is an alternating series with terms decreasing in magnitude to 0 on \([-1,1]\). By the Alternating Series Error Bound, the error is bounded by the absolute value of the first omitted term.

The \(P_4\) polynomial captures terms through degree 4 (i.e., \(n=1,2,3\) in the general term since max degree is 4). The first omitted term corresponds to degree 5:

\(\left|a_{\text{next}}\right| = \dfrac{(1/2)^5}{4\cdot 5} = \dfrac{1}{640}\)

Since \(\dfrac{1}{640} < \dfrac{1}{500}\):

\(|P_4(½) − g(½)| ≤ 1/640 < 1/500\) ∎
QUICK REFERENCE
TI-Nspire CX II — Essential Calculator Techniques
NUMERICAL INTEGRAL
nInt(expr, x, a, b)

Or: menu → 4:Calculus → 3:Numerical Integral

NUMERICAL DERIVATIVE
nDeriv(expr, x, value)

Or: menu → 4:Calculus → 2:Numerical Derivative

SOLVE EQUATION
solve(eq, x) | a < x < b

menu → 3:Algebra → 1:Solve

POLAR GRAPHING

Graphs app → menu → 3:Graph Type → 2:Polar

Set angle mode to Radian!

RADIAN MODE

menu → 4:Settings → Angle: Radian

Always check this before any trig integration!

FIND INTERSECTION

Graphs app → menu → 6:Analyze Graph → 4:Intersection

Drag boundaries around intersection point

TOP SCORING REMINDERS

Always include units — cubic feet, sq ft/min, etc.

Justify every answer — state the theorem or test used

State all conditions for Integral Test, AST, etc.

Don't round mid-problem — keep decimals full until final answer

3 decimal places — AP rounds to 3 decimal places for numerical answers

Check IVP solutions — verify your ODE solution satisfies the initial condition