AP Calculus AB Linearization and L’Hopital’s Rule Test Solutions and Scoring (PDF)
This linearization test answers for AP Calculus AB covers linearization and l'hopital's rule (Common Core AP CALC AB 4.5, AP CALC AB 4.6, AP CALC AB 4.7), with a free PDF to print.
Use this answer key to score the linearization test out of 20 points. Each solution shows the work and a scoring guide that says how the points are awarded. Give partial credit for a correct setup, a correct derivative or integral, and a correct final statement with units where they apply.
AP Calculus AB · Common Core State Standards: AP CALC AB 4.5, AP CALC AB 4.6, AP CALC AB 4.7
Linearization test answers: worked solutions
Question 1 – Linearization [2 pts]
\(f(16)=4\), \(f^{\prime}(16)=\frac{1}{8}\). \(L(x)=4+\frac{1}{8}(x-16)\).
\(L(17)=4.125\). Final answer: \(\sqrt{17}\approx 4.125\).
Scoring: 1 point for L(x); 1 point for the estimate.
Question 2 – Tangent line estimate [3 pts]
- \(L(x)=1+x\).
- \(L(0.2)=1.2\) (exact \(1.2214\)).
- \(f^{\prime\prime}(x)=e^{x} > 0\): concave up, so the tangent lies below the curve. Underestimate.
Scoring: 1 point per part.
Question 3 – Over or under [2 pts]
\(f^{\prime\prime}(x)=-\frac{1}{x^{2}} < 0\): concave down, so the tangent line lies above the graph and the estimate is too high.
Scoring: 1 point for the second derivative; 1 point for the conclusion.
Question 4 – Using a table [3 pts]
- \(L(4.5)=10-3(0.5)=8.5\).
- The table gives \(8.6\), so the estimate is \(0.1\) too low.
- The tangent line is below the graph, so concave up.
Scoring: 1 point per part.
Question 5 – Hopital 0 over 0, second form [2 pts]
\(\frac{0}{0}\). Differentiate: \(\frac{3x^{2}}{2x}=\frac{27}{6}=\frac{9}{2}\).
Final answer: \(\frac{9}{2}\).
Scoring: 1 point for identifying 0/0 and differentiating; 1 point for the value.
Question 6 – Hopital infinity form [3 pts]
\(\frac{\infty}{\infty}\). First: \(\frac{2\ln x\cdot\frac{1}{x}}{1}=\frac{2\ln x}{x}\) (still \(\frac{\infty}{\infty}\)). Second: \(\frac{2/x}{1}=\frac{2}{x}\to 0\).
Final answer: \(0\).
Scoring: 1 point for each application; 1 point for the value.
Question 7 – Error estimation [2 pts]
\(A=s^{2}\), \(A^{\prime}=2s=48\). \(\Delta A\approx 48(0.25)=12\).
Final answer: about 12 square inches.
Scoring: 1 point for A′; 1 point for the estimate with units.
Question 8 – Limit by two methods [3 pts]
- \(\frac{0}{0}\): \(\frac{\cos x}{1}\to 1\).
- \(\frac{0}{0}\): \(\frac{\sec^{2}x}{1}\to 1\).
- Substituting gives \(\frac{1}{1}=1\), which is not indeterminate; the limit is simply \(1\).
Scoring: 1 point per part.
Total score
20 points
Key facts behind this linearization test answers
- Linearization: L(x) = f(a) + f′(a)(x – a), the tangent line at x = a.
- Concave up (f″ positive): the tangent line is below the curve, so the estimate is too low.
- Concave down (f″ negative): the tangent line is above the curve, so the estimate is too high.
- L’Hôpital: for 0/0 or ∞/∞, lim f/g = lim f′/g′ (not the quotient rule).
How to use this linearization test answers
Score your test with the point values shown for each question. Then read the worked solution of every question where you lost points and note the method to review.
All AP Calculus AB chapters: AP Calculus AB math.
Free printable PDF
AP Calculus AB Linearization and L’Hopital’s Rule Test Solutions and Scoring
Download PDFMore AP Calculus AB math
Lessons
See allWorksheets
See allTests
See allPower, Sum and Basic Function Derivative Rules Test with Point Values
Continuity and the Intermediate Value Theorem Test with Point Values
Evaluating Limits Algebraically Test with Point Values
Mean Value Theorem and Extreme Value Theorem Test with Point Values
Infinite Limits and Asymptotes Test with Point Values
The Derivative as a Limit Test with Point Values

























