IB Diploma Programme · Maths AA and AI · SL and HL
Your child is taking IB Maths
Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation, SL or HL: what each course involves, how it is assessed and how to choose.
examinerprep.com1The IB Diploma at a glance
6
subjects
Usually three at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL)
3
core elements
Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and CAS (creativity, activity, service)
45
maximum points
6 subjects × 7, plus up to 3 from TOK and the Extended Essay · Diploma from 24 points*
2Two maths courses: AA or AI
Every Diploma student takes one maths course, at SL or HL. The two courses cover the same five topic areas but with a different emphasis.
Analysis and Approaches (AA)
Algebra, proof and calculus
Strong emphasis on algebraic manipulation, functions, calculus and mathematical argument. One paper is taken without a calculator.
Often chosen for: mathematics, physics, engineering, computer science, economics.
Applications and Interpretation (AI)
Modelling, statistics and technology
Emphasis on real data, statistics, modelling and using a graphic display calculator to solve problems. All papers allow the calculator.
Often chosen for: biology, psychology, business, social sciences, design and many other courses where data matter.
3SL or HL: what changes?
| Feature | Standard Level (SL) | Higher Level (HL) |
|---|---|---|
| Recommended teaching time | 150 hours over two years | 240 hours over two years |
| Content | The SL course in five topics | All SL content plus additional higher level (AHL) material in every topic |
| Written exams | Paper 1 (1 h 30) and Paper 2 (1 h 30) · 3 hours | Paper 1 (2 h), Paper 2 (2 h) and Paper 3 (1 h) · 5 hours |
| Paper 3 (HL only) | — | Two long problem-solving questions |
| Internal assessment | 20% · the mathematical exploration | 20% · the same task, judged at HL standard |
4How the final grade is built
SL · AA and AI
AA Paper 1: no calculator. AA Paper 2 and both AI papers: graphic display calculator required.
HL · AA and AI
AA Paper 1: no calculator. AA Papers 2 and 3 and all AI papers: graphic display calculator required.
5What is taught: five topics SL teaching hours
| Topic | AA SL | AI SL | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number and algebra | 19 h | 16 h | Sequences, logarithms, financial maths; HL adds complex numbers (both), proof by induction (AA) and matrices (AI) |
| Functions | 21 h | 31 h | Graphs, transformations, exponential and trigonometric models |
| Geometry and trigonometry | 25 h | 18 h | Triangles, circles, 3D shapes; HL adds vectors (both) and graph theory (AI) |
| Statistics and probability | 27 h | 36 h | Data analysis, regression, probability distributions, hypothesis tests (AI) |
| Calculus | 28 h | 19 h | Rates of change, optimisation, areas; HL adds differential equations |
The remaining 30 hours at each level are for the exploration and mathematical toolkit. HL totals 240 hours.
6How you can help
- Make sure the graphic display calculator the school recommends is bought early, and used in every lesson and test.
- For AA, ask whether non-calculator practice is happening: Paper 1 rewards fluent algebra.
- Encourage your child to choose an exploration topic they genuinely care about; it makes the 12–20 pages much easier to write.
- Little and often works best in maths: short regular practice beats long sessions before tests.
- If the first unit tests go badly, get help early; later topics build directly on earlier ones.
* Further conditions apply for the award of the Diploma. Source: public course outlines for Diploma Programme Mathematics: analysis and approaches, and applications and interpretation (first assessment 2021).
ExaminerPrep is an independent tutoring service. It has been developed independently from and is not endorsed by the International Baccalaureate Organization, Cambridge University Press & Assessment or Pearson Edexcel. Course and qualification names are used for descriptive purposes only. Schools differ in how they schedule the courses: always check dates and requirements with your child’s school.