Calculus Circus

AP Calculus practice

Precalculus Review for AP Calculus

Rebuild the algebra, function sense, and trigonometry that AP Calculus depends on. Calculus Circus has 35 free precalculus review skills across 5 topics: multiplication fluency, functions, exponents, quadratics, and the unit circle. Start a skill now, then sign in when you want Calculus Circus to remember your progress.

Start practicing free Sign in to save progress

Sign in to keep completions, track your progress, and make your learning visible to your teacher. Access to precalculus review skills is free and publicly available. Full access to Calculus Circus is a flat annual fee with no automatic renewal.

What you will practice

AP Calculus is easier when the underlying skills are automatic: times tables, function notation, exponent rules, factoring, and unit-circle values. Students use this review before the course begins, over the summer, or whenever a calculus skill stalls on algebra.

If f(x) = x² − 1, then f(3) = 8. Function notation asks you to evaluate at a number, not multiply f by 3.

The five precalculus review topics

  1. Multiplication

    5 skills

    Multiplication facts, mixed tables, a timed challenge, and squares and cubes.

    Practice multiplication fluency

  2. Functions

    6 skills

    Function notation, polynomial and trigonometric graphs, identifying function types, and equations of lines.

    Practice functions

  3. Exponents

    5 skills

    Positive, negative, fractional, and negative fractional exponents, then a mixed set.

    Practice exponent rules

  4. Quadratics

    2 skills

    Difference of squares and factoring quadratic expressions.

    Practice factoring quadratics

  5. Unit Circle

    17 skills

    Deep knowledge of the unit circle is a major step towards being ready for AP Calculus. Quadrant warm-ups, then sine, cosine, and tangent around the circle, with tests and the essential values.

    Practice the unit circle

How practice works

  • Short problem sets with instant feedback.
  • Skills arranged in a pathway.
  • Access to precalculus review skills is free. Sign in to save your progress or join a class created by your teacher.
  • Continue into free limits practice or differentiation practice. Teachers can see how Calculus Circus works on the About page.

Precalculus review FAQ

What precalculus skills can I practice here?

There are 35 skills across the five topics above: multiplication fluency, function notation and graphs, exponent rules, factoring quadratics, and the unit circle.

Do I need an account to start?

No. You can begin practicing free without an account. Sign in when you want Calculus Circus to keep your completions.

Why should I sign in?

Signing in saves progress so you can return to the next skill and, if you join a class, so a teacher can see where you are practicing.

Is this for AP Calculus?

Yes. This pathway reviews the algebra, functions, and trigonometry students need before AP Calculus. Calculus Circus is teacher-led practice, not an official College Board product or endorsement.

What comes after precalculus review?

After precalculus review, students typically move into limits, then differentiation and integration.

Ready to try a precalculus skill?

Open the precalculus review pathway and start with multiplication fluency, or jump to the topic you need. Sign in if you want Calculus Circus to save your place.

Start practicing free Sign in to save progress