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AP Calculus BC Unit 9: Parametric and Polar Functions

Practice AP Calculus BC Unit 9 questions on parametric derivatives, vector-valued motion, polar derivatives, and polar regions.

Syllabus
Effective Fall 2025
Course
AP Calculus BC

Unit 9: Parametric Equations, Polar Coordinates, and Vector-Valued Functions question 1

[Maximum number: 9]

For 0tπ0 \leq t \leq \pi, a particle is moving along the curve shown so that its position at time t is (x(t), y(t)), where x(t) is not explicitly given and y(t)=2sinty(t)=2 \sin t. It is known that dxdt=ecost\frac{d x}{d t}=e^{\cos t}. At time t=0, the particle is at position (1, 0).

Question (a)

(a)

Find the acceleration vector of the particle at time t=1. Show the setup for your calculations.

[ 2 ]

Question (b)

(b)

For 0tπ0 \leq t \leq \pi, find the first time t at which the speed of the particle is 1.5. Show the work that leads to your answer.

[ 2 ]

Question (c)

(c)

Find the slope of the line tangent to the path of the particle at time t=1. Find the x-coordinate of the position of the particle at time t=1. Show the work that leads to your answers.

[ 3 ]

Question (d)

(d)

Find the total distance traveled by the particle over the time interval 0tπ0 \leq t \leq \pi. Show the setup for your calculations.

Write your responses to this question only on the designated pages in the separate Free Response booklet. Write your solution to each part in the space provided for that part.

END OF PART A

CALCULUS BC

SECTION II, Part B

Time-1 hour
4 Questions

NO CALCULATOR IS ALLOWED FOR THESE QUESTIONS.

[ 2 ]

Unit 9: Parametric Equations, Polar Coordinates, and Vector-Valued Functions question 2

[Maximum number: 1]

7. Given the parametric equations x(t)=2t21x(t)=2 t^{2}-1 and y(t)=3+2t3/2y(t)=3+2 t^{3 / 2}, which expression gives the length of the curve from t=1 to t=3 ?

A

131+9tdt\int_{1}^{3} \sqrt{1+9 t} d t

B

131+916tdt\int_{1}^{3} \sqrt{1+\frac{9}{16 t}} d t

C

1316t2+9tdt\int_{1}^{3} \sqrt{16 t^{2}+9 t} d t

D

13(2t21)2+(3+2t3/2)2dt\int_{1}^{3} \sqrt{\left(2 t^{2}-1\right)^{2}+\left(3+2 t^{3 / 2}\right)^{2}} d t

Unit 9: Parametric Equations, Polar Coordinates, and Vector-Valued Functions question 3

[Maximum number: 1]

For time t>0, the position of a particle moving in the x y-plane is given by the vector 1t,e3t\left\langle\frac{1}{t}, e^{3 t}\right\rangle. What is the velocity vector of the particle at time t=2 ?

A

12,e6\left\langle\frac{1}{2}, e^{6}\right\rangle

B

14,e6\left\langle\frac{1}{4}, e^{6}\right\rangle

C

14,3e6\left\langle\frac{1}{4}, 3 e^{6}\right\rangle

D

14,e6\left\langle-\frac{1}{4}, e^{6}\right\rangle

E

14,3e6\left\langle-\frac{1}{4}, 3 e^{6}\right\rangle

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