AP®︎ Calculus BC Unit 8: Notes & Study Guide

Prepare for your quiz, test, or the AP exam with a comprehensive review on Unit 8 of AP Calculus BC – Applications of Integration.

Exam weight: 6%–9%
13 Topics

Unit 8: Applications of Integration

Apply integrals to compute areas, volumes, arc lengths, and solve net-change problems.

Begin with Topic 8.1: Finding the Average Value...

To review Unit 8, go through each of the 13 topics below.

Everything you actually need to know for your Unit 8 test, pulled directly from the AP® Calculus BC curriculum.

Topic 8.1
~6 min
Review
Finding the Average Value of a Function on an Interval
Finding the Average Value of a Function on an Interval
  • What the Average Value of a Function Is
  • How to Find the Average Value
  • Why This Shows Up on Tests
Review
Topic 8.2
~5 min
Review
Connecting Position, Velocity, and Acceleration of Functions Using Integrals
Connecting Position, Velocity, and Acceleration of Functions Using Integrals
  • Position, Velocity, and Acceleration in Rectilinear Motion
  • Displacement from Velocity
  • Distance Traveled
Review
Topic 8.3
~5 min
Review
Using Accumulation Functions and Definite Integrals in Applied Contexts
Using Accumulation Functions and Definite Integrals in Applied Contexts
  • Accumulation and Net Change
  • Interpreting Definite Integrals in Context
  • Solving Accumulation Problems
Review
Topic 8.4
~5 min
Review
Finding the Area Between Curves Expressed as Functions of x
Finding the Area Between Curves Expressed as Functions of x
  • What the Area Between Two Curves Is
  • How to Find the Area Step by Step
  • When the Top Function Changes
Review
Topic 8.5
~5 min
Review
Finding the Area Between Curves Expressed as Functions of y
Finding the Area Between Curves Expressed as Functions of y
  • Horizontal Slices and Integrating with Respect to y
  • When You Should Use dy
  • Setting Up the Integral Correctly
Review
Topic 8.6
~5 min
Review
Finding the Area Between Curves That Intersect at More Than Two Points
Finding the Area Between Curves That Intersect at More Than Two Points
  • Area Between Curves That Intersect More Than Twice
  • Why One Integral Is Not Enough
  • The Complete Strategy
Review
Topic 8.7
~5 min
Review
Volumes with Cross Sections: Squares and Rectangles
Volumes with Cross Sections: Squares and Rectangles
  • Volume from Known Cross Sections
  • The Base Region and Slice Direction
  • Square Cross Sections
Review
Topic 8.8
~5 min
Review
Volumes with Cross Sections: Triangles and Semicircles
Volumes with Cross Sections: Triangles and Semicircles
  • Volumes from known cross sections
  • Triangular cross sections
  • Semicircular cross sections
Review
Topic 8.9
~5 min
Review
Volume with Disc Method: Revolving Around the x- or y-Axis
Volume with Disc Method: Revolving Around the x- or y-Axis
  • What the Disc Method Is
  • The Two Disc Formulas
  • How to Set Up a Disc Problem
Review
Topic 8.10
~6 min
Review
Volume with Disc Method: Revolving Around Other Axes
Volume with Disc Method: Revolving Around Other Axes
  • Disc method around any horizontal or vertical line
  • Rotating around a horizontal line \( y = b \)
  • Rotating around a vertical line \( x = a \)
Review
Topic 8.11
~6 min
Review
Volume with Washer Method: Revolving Around the x- or y-Axis
Volume with Washer Method: Revolving Around the x- or y-Axis
  • The Washer Method for Volumes of Revolution
  • Outer and Inner Radius
  • How to Set Up a Washer Problem
Review
Topic 8.12
~5 min
Review
Volume with Washer Method: Revolving Around Other Axes
Volume with Washer Method: Revolving Around Other Axes
  • Washer Method Around a Horizontal or Vertical Line
  • How to Set Up the Integral Correctly
  • Choosing dx or dy
Review
Topic 8.13
~5 min
Review
The Arc Length of a Smooth, Planar Curve and Distance Traveled
The Arc Length of a Smooth, Planar Curve and Distance Traveled
  • Arc Length of a Smooth Planar Curve
  • Determining Length with a Definite Integral
  • Distance Traveled
Review

Notes

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