about

AP Computer Science A is both a college-prep course for potential computer science majors and a foundation course for students planning to study in other technical fields such as engineering, physics, chemistry, and geology. The course emphasizes methodology, procedural abstraction, and in-depth study of algorithms, data structures, and data abstractions, as well as a detailed examination of a large case study program. Instruction includes preparation for the AP Computer Science A exam. In this course, students apply the programming tools they have learned to real-life examples on their own. Computer science is more than just programming; students who successfully complete the course will have an understanding of Java and the ability to adapt to any new programming language that they are taught in college.

notes / updates


November 18, 2024 | Resource: WolframAlpha
WolframAlpha is a reliable resource that you can use to confirm various mathematical calculations. To get started, visit wolframalpha.com and type a query using natural language.
For example: derivative of cos(3x) at x equals pi/6 . The following url gives the results:
https://www.wolframalpha.com/input?i=derivative+of+cos%283x%29+at+x+equals+pi%2F6
September 27, 2024 | Quadratic Formula
Here is a possible solution to the Quadratic Equation task:
 
 
  import java.util.*;

  public class Quadratic { 
  
    public static void main(String[] args) {
      
      //declare variables.
    double a, b, c, discriminant, root1, root2;
  
    Scanner kb = new Scanner(System.in);
  
    System.out.println("Enter the degree 2 coefficient of a quadratic equation:");
      a = kb.nextDouble();
  
    System.out.println("Enter the degree 1 coefficient of a quadratic equation:");
      b = kb.nextDouble();
  
    System.out.println("Enter the degree 0 coefficient of a quadratic equation:");
    c = kb.nextDouble();
  
    boolean openingup = (a > 0);
      System.out.println("It is " + openingup + " to suggest that the parabola opens up.");
    
    //we are assuming that the quadratic equation has a solution. 
      discriminant = b*b -4*a*c;
      root1 = (-b + Math.sqrt(discriminant))/(2*a);
      root2 = (-b - Math.sqrt(discriminant))/(2*a);
  
      System.out.println("The first root is: " + root1+".");
  
      System.out.println("The second root is: " + root2+".");
  
  
    } //end main
  }  //end class
 
 

September 22, 2024 | Weekly updates & Current grades
Hi everyone. I write to clarify a couple of things regarding grades and grading.
First, on myCushing under your progress tab you should be able to see your current grade for this course, which is a weighted average of the assessments we have written so far. While individual quiz scores will not be published on myCushing, the current grade will be updated approximately once week.
Second, when you read your weekly update, be sure to check the comments as well as the grade. Sometimes I add individual feedback based on recent performances or in-class observations.

As always, let me know if you have any questions.
September 9, 2024
AP registration instructions at this [ link ].
For your course section, use join code: YD2VGJ
If you have any questions, contact Mr. Dan Monahan.

September 1, 2024

Hi everyone. In this area of the course page we will post notes, solutions, reminders, and links to other resources throughout the year. Entries will be dated with the most recent posted at the top of the page.

ap classroom

expectations