IB DP Math Resources for AA and AI
Maths in IBDP is required at either standard level or higher level. IB DP Math Resources at IITian Academy covers topics of New syllabus . You can take two courses: Analysis & Approaches (AA) or Applications & Interpretations (AI). Each course covers the same 5 topics (Number & Algebra, Functions, Geometry & Trig, Statistics, and Calculus), with different focus and weightage. Higher level courses in both AI and AA cover content in-depth, and also harder topics.
Whereas Math AI focuses more on the practical applications of math, with emphasis on functions and statistics, Math AA is a more traditional course, with more emphasis on number & algebra, geometry & trig, and calculus. As for the actual content, you can refer to the subject guides for each course.
Exam Style Practice Questions, Notes and Past Paper for IB DP Math Resources - MAA and MAI 2025
IBDP Maths Analysis and Approaches
IBDP Maths Analysis and Approaches HL
- Higher Level (HL) IB Style Question Banks with Solution
- IB Style HL Paper 1
- IB Style HL Paper 2
- IB Style HL Paper 3
- Math AA : Syllabus and Study Guide
- Mock Exams MAA HL
- IB Mathematics AA HL Flashcards
- IB Mathematics AA HL Study Notes
IBDP Maths Analysis and Approaches SL
- Standard Level (SL) IB Style Question Banks with Solution
- IB Style SL Paper 1
- IB Style SL Paper 2
- IB Mathematics AA SL Flashcards
- IB Mathematics AA SL Mock Exams
- IB Mathematics AA SL Syllabus
- IB Mathematics AA SL Study Notes
IBDP Maths Applications and Interpretation
IBDP Maths Applications and Interpretation HL
- HL IB Style Question Banks with Solution
- IB Style Paper 1
- IB Style Paper 2
- IB Style Paper 3
- Math AI : Syllabus and Study Guide
- Mock Exams MAI HL
- IB Math AI HL Flashcards
IBDP Maths Applications and Interpretation SL
- SL IB Style Question Banks with Solution
- IB Style Paper 1
- IB Style Paper 2
- Math AI: Syllabus and Study Guide
- Mock Exams MAI SL
What is Maths AA and AI of IB DP Math Resources?
Maths AA and AI are the two new IB mathematics courses introduced which replaced the old IB mathematics curricula for first assessment in May 2021. Maths AA stands for Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches and Maths AI stands for Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations. If you are an IB Diploma, it is compulsory to take one of these two courses at either Standard Level or Higher Level.
What are the differences between Maths AA and Maths AI?
Oh, this is the big one, so I’ll cut to the chase. The most prominent differences are found inthe teaching hours for each of the courses’ components, in this next table. If you can’t understand it, don’t worry, as I’ve explained it after the table.
COMPONENT NAME | AA SL | AI SL | AA HL | AI HL |
---|---|---|---|---|
Number and Algebra | 19 | 16 | 39 | 29 |
Functions | 21 | 31 | 32 | 42 |
Geometry and Trigonometry | 25 | 18 | 51 | 46 |
Statistics and Probability | 27 | 39 | 33 | 52 |
Calculus | 28 | 19 | 55 | 41 |
The table shows that there are significant differences between the two courses in terms of content weightage. In essence:
Maths AAgives more emphasis onNumber & Algebra, Geometry & TrigonometryandCalculus.
Maths AIgives more emphasis onFunctionsandStatistics & Probability.
The subject brief also describes the nature of the two courses’ syllabi:
Maths AA:
Develops important mathematical concepts in a rigorous way
Solves abstract problems as well as ones set in a meaningful context
Emphasizes on construction, communication and justification of correct mathematical arguments
Teaches students to have insights into mathematical form and structure
Maths AI:
Emphasises on mathematics used in applications or mathematical modelling
Includes traditional components such as calculus and statistics
Develops strong technology skills
Encourages students to solve real world problems, construct and communicate them mathematically and interpret conclusions or generalisations
There is also a difference in theirassessments.
Maths AA has one paper which prohibits the use of a calculator, Paper 1. Paper 2 and HL Paper 3 permit calculator use.Maths AIpermits calculator use in all papers.
Maths AA paper 1 and paper 2 each are divided into two sections. Section A has short response questions, and Section B has extended-response questions.Maths AIpaper 1 is exclusively short response questions, and paper 2 is exclusively extended response questions.
Note that HL paper 3 for both AI and AA are extended-response problem solving questions, and both of them share the same format, but have differing questions due to their differing syllabi.
Maths AAis the ‘analytical’ based, heavy on calculus and geometry/trigonometry. You cannot use a calculator in one paper.Maths AIis more ‘application’ based, heavy on functions and probability/statistics. You must use a calculator in all papers.
Which one is more useful in university?
Also one of the most common questions. Unfortunately, it is a very vague one. Neither is inherently ‘more’ useful, as it is entirely dependent on the region and your ambition in college or university.
If there is a preference for AA or AI in terms of courses, it exists for engineering or mathematics-heavy courses such as Physics or Math degrees. In these cases, AA is preferred or even required, but it only applies to countries that even differentiate between AA or AI.
I have made a very brief summary for certain popular countries for further studies and their trends for preferring AA or AI. But there exists so many exceptions that it is unjustifiable to even call it a ‘trend’ so please take this with a grain of salt and rely more on your own research.
United States:No AA/AI differentiation, but may require/prefer HL over SL for math heavy degrees
Canada:No AA/AI differentiation, but may require/prefer HL over SL for math heavy degrees
Australia:No AA/AI differentiation
United Kingdom:There are cases of differentiation in a considerable number of universities. Generally, AA HL is the course which opens the most doors, as nearly all engineering and math heavy degrees require AA HL. Many competitive economics programs even prefer or require AA HL. Of course, there are major exceptions, most notably being Oxbridge which has no preference between the two, as they already have their own entrance exams which include maths. Unfortunately, I have personally never seen any case where AI is preferred over AA, but the other way round is very common. Do correct me in the comments if you come by any exception.
So, which course should I select?
Honestly, this depends on a variety of factors. Most notably, your performance and attitude in studying mathematics, and your individual strengths or weaknesses in individual components that may lead you to choose one course or another. If you are one of those all-rounders in mathematics, then perhaps you could choose based on university plans. If you are not confident in mathematics skills but still want to pursue math-related degrees, it is also an important factor to consider.Overall, remember that you are going to spend 2 years with this subject, so make sure you like what you’re doing, and have confidence in doing well in the subject in your IB exams. Do remember to consult your teachers, school, friends and family for advice on subject selection.
So that pretty much is the end. I may have missed out certain points, maybe even have some inaccuracies, but it is the least I could do for future IB students. I hope you found this useful, and do feel free to comment with your own perspectives!
Two new courses became part of the Diploma Programme (DP) in 2019, both taught at the Higher level (HL) and Standard level (SL). The first is Mathematics: analysis and approachesand the second isMathematics: applications and interpretation.
From August 2019 the following courses, with first assessment in May 2021, are available:
- Mathematics: analysis and approaches SL
- Mathematics: analysis and approaches HL
- Mathematics: applications and interpretation SL
- Mathematics: applications and interpretation HL
Students can only study one course in mathematics as part of their diploma.
Each course approaches topics at varying levels of teaching hours. This guide will provide some insights into which course will be the best fit for your school and students.
The courses are separated by how they approach mathematics, described generally by the table below:
Mathematics: analysis and approaches
- Emphasis on algebraic methods
- Develop strong skills in mathematical thinking
- Real and abstract mathematical problem solving
- For students interested in mathematics, engineering physical sciences, and some economics
Mathematics: applications and interpretation
- Emphasis on modelling and statistics
- Develops strong skills in applying mathematics to the real-world
- Real mathematical problem solving using technology
- For students interested in social sciences, natural sciences, medicine, statistics, business, engineering, some economics, psychology and design
All of these courses (SL and HL in each) cover the same 5 topics within mathematics but with varying emphasis in each area: number and algebra, functions, geometry and trigonometry, statics and probability, and calculus. The chart below may help you select the right course based on the amount of time dedicated to a given topic.
New IB Math courses for the IB Class of 2021 Onward
Please see below the program documentation for a discussion of the math curriculum changes effective September 2019 for the IB Class of 2021.
The following chart summarizes the new courses and provides guidance in course selection:
New math course started in September 2019 for IB Class of 2021 | Course description from IB | Approximate current equivalent | Recommended prior math background |
Mathematics: Applications and interpretation | This course is designed for students who enjoy describing the real world and solving practical problems using mathematics, those who are interested in harnessing the power of technology alongside exploring mathematical models and enjoy the more practical side of mathematics. | STANDARD LEVEL (SL): This class is most similar to the current Mathematical Studies SL course. HIGHER LEVEL (HL): This course will include new content, including statistics. It is intended to meet the needs of students whose interest in mathematics is more practical than theoretical but seek more challenging content. | STANDARD LEVEL (SL): Strong Algebra 1 skills HIGHER LEVEL (HL): Strong Algebra 2 skills |
Mathematics: Analysis and approaches | This course is intended for students who wish to pursue studies in mathematics at university or subjects that have a large mathematical content; it is for students who enjoy developing mathematical arguments, problem solving and exploring real and abstract applications, with and without technology. | STANDARD LEVEL (SL): This class is most similar to the current Mathematics SL course. HIGHER LEVEL (HL): This class is most similar to the current Mathematics HL course. | STANDARD LEVEL (SL): Strong Algebra 2H skills HIGHER LEVEL (HL): Very strong Algebra 2H skills |
The following pages summarize the content of the new courses.
Mathematics:Analysis and approaches
Thenumber and algebra SLlooks at:scientificnotation,arithmetic and geometric sequences and series and theirapplicationsincluding financialapplications,lawsoflogarithmsand exponentials,solving exponentialequations, simpleproof,approximations and errors, andthebinomialtheorem.Thenumber and algebra HLlooks at:permutations and combinations,partialfractions,complexnumbers,proofbyinduction,contradictionandcounter-example,andsolution ofsystems oflinear equations.
The functions SL looks at: equations of straight lines, concepts and properties of functions and their graphs, including composite, inverse, the identity, rational, exponential, logarithmic and quadratic functions. Solving equations both analytically and graphically, and transformation of graphs. The functions HL looks at: the factor and remainder theorems, sums and products of roots of polynomials, rational functions, odd and even functions, self-inverse functions, solving function inequalities and the modulus function.
Thegeometry and trigonometry SLlooks at:volumeandsurface area of 3d solids,rightangledandnon-right-angledtrigonometryincludingbearings andangles ofelevation and depression, radianmeasure,theunit circleandPythagoreanidentity,double angleidentities for sineandcosine,compositetrigonometric functions,solvingtrigonometric equations. Thegeometry and trigonometry HLlooks at:reciprocaltrigonometricratios,inversetrigonometricfunctions, compound angleidentities ,doubleangleidentityfortangent, symmetryproperties oftrigonometric graphs,vectortheory,applicationswithlines andplanes, and vectoralgebra.
Thestatistics and probability SLlooks at:collectingdata andusing samplingtechniques,presenting dataingraphicalform,measures ofcentraltendency andspread, correlation,regression,calculatingprobabilities,probabilitydiagrams,the normaldistributionwith standardizationofvariables, andthebinomialdistribution.Thestatistics and probability HLlooks at:Bayestheorem,probabilitydistributions,probabilitydensityfunctions, expectationalgebra.
Thecalculus SLlooks at:informalideas oflimits and convergence,differentiationincluding analysing graphicalbehaviouroffunctions,findingequations ofnormals andtangents,optimization,kinematicsinvolvingdisplacement,velocity,accelerationandtotaldistancetravelled,the chain,productand quotientrules,definite andindefiniteintegration.Thecalculus HLlooks at:introductiontocontinuityand differentiability,convergence anddivergence,differentiationfromfirstprinciples, limits and L’Hopital’srule,implicitdifferentiation,derivativesofinverse andreciprocaltrigonometric functions,integrationbysubstitutionandparts, volumes ofrevolution,solutionoffirstorderdifferentialequationsusing Euler’s method,byseparatingvariables andusingtheintegrating factor,Maclaurinseries.
Mathematics:Applications andinterpretation
Thenumber and algebra SLlooks at:scientificnotation,arithmetic and geometric sequences and series and theirapplicationsinfinanceincludingloanrepayments,simpletreatmentoflogarithms and exponentials,simpleproof,approximations anderrors.Thenumber and algebra HLlooks at:lawsoflogarithms,complexnumbers andtheirpracticalapplications,matrices andtheirapplicationsforsolving systemsof equations,for geometric transformations,andtheirapplicationstoprobability.
Thefunctions SLlooks at: creating,fitting andusing modelswithlinear,exponential,naturallogarithm,cubic and simpletrigonometric functions.Thefunctions HLlooks at:useoflog-log graphs,graphtransformations,creating, fitting andusing modelswithfurthertrigonometric,logarithmic,rational, logistic andpiecewise functions.
Thegeometry and trigonometry SLlooks at:volumeandsurface area of 3d solids,rightangledandnon-right-angledtrigonometryincludingbearings,surface area andvolumeof composite 3d solids,establishingoptimumpositions and pathsusing Voronoidiagrams.
Thegeometry and trigonometry HLlooks at: vectorconcepts andtheirapplicationsinkinematics,applications ofadjacencymatrices,andtree andcycle algorithms.
Thestatistics and probability SLlooks at:collectingdata andusing samplingtechniques,presenting dataingraphicalform,measuresof centraltendencyandspread,correlationusingPearson’sproduct-momentandSpearman’srankcorrelationcoefficients, regression,calculatingprobabilities,probabilitydiagrams,thenormaldistribution,Chi-squaredtestforindependence and goodness offit.Thestatistics and probability HLlooks at: thebinomialandPoisson distributions,designingdatacollectionmethods,testsforreliability andvalidity,hypothesistestingand confidenceintervals.
The calculus SL looks at: differentiation including analyzing graphical behavior of functions and optimization , using simple integration and the trapezium/ trapezoidal rule to calculate areas of irregular shapes. The calculus HL looks at: kinematics and practical problems involving rates of change, volumes of revolution, setting up and solving models involving differential equations using numerical and analytic methods, slope fields, coupled and second-order differential equations in context.
IB Physics
SL 2025
HL 2025
IB Biology
SL 2025
HL 2025
IB Chemistry
SL 2025
HL 2025
Math AA
SL 2025
HL 2025
Math AI
SL 2025
HL 2025
IB History
History SL
History HL
Geography
Geo SL
Geo HL
IB CS
CS SL
CS HL
Economics
Eco SL
Eco HL