IB Math – Syllabus, Courses & Past Papers

Students often consider IB Math one of the most challenging subjects in the IB subject groups. As of 2025, IB Math syllabus offers four distinct courses.

1. Mathematics: analysis and approaches SL
2. Mathematics: analysis and approaches HL
3. Mathematics: applications and interpretation SL
4. Mathematics: applications and interpretation HL

Because students have different needs, interests, and abilities, educators design each Mathematics course to meet individual goals- whether students want to study mathematics in depth as a subject or broaden their knowledge in mathematics-related fields.

To improve performance and understanding, students can benefit from IB Online Academic Tutoring, where they receive expert guidance tailored to the IB Maths syllabus. In addition, practising with IB Maths past papers can greatly enhance exam readiness and confidence.

 

Choosing the Right IB Math Course

 

 When selecting an IB Math course, students should be careful to consider many factors:

 

1. Their abilities in mathematics and the specific areas where they can excel.
2. Their interest in mathematics and the topics that engage them the most.
3. The other subjects they are pursuing are like IB Diploma Programme.
4. Their future academic goals and university subject requirements.
5. Their intended career path.

 

Under the IB Maths syllabus, students can only take one mathematics course for their diploma. Educators design these courses to match diverse abilities, interests, and academic goals while also fulfilling the entry requirements of various universities and careers.

 

The objectives of the IB Maths syllabus are to help students:

 

1. Build a strong foundation in mathematical knowledge, concepts, and principles.
2. Develop logical reasoning, critical analysis, and creative problem-solving skills.
3. Enhance their ability to abstract and generalize concepts.
4. Appreciate the international scope of mathematics and understand its cultural and historical contexts.

 

Students are expected to be proficient with graphic display calculators and understand technology’s role in mathematics. Consistent practice using IB Maths past papers can also significantly boost exam preparation and confidence.

 

What is IB Math AA SL?

 

IB Mathematics Analysis and Approaches (AA) Standard Level (SL) is one of the four math courses introduced in the current IB Mathematics curriculum (2021-2027). The AA SL course is a traditional mathematics course in which students develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts and solve both real and theoretical problems, with and without technology. 

 

The AA SL course is ideal for students with moderate mathematical ability who wish to strengthen their skills for future academic pursuits. It is particularly suitable for those planning to study subjects that involve mathematics- such as economics, sciences, or related fields- after completing their IB Diploma Programme.

 

Which Students should take this course?

 

• Students who are interested in mathematics
• Are fairly moderate at it
• Keen to study courses involving mathematics after high school (Eg. Economics & Sciences)

 

Topics Covered in Math AA SL

 

1. Number and Algebra (19 Hours)
2. Functions (21 Hours)
3. Geometry and Trigonometry (25 Hours)
4. Probability and Statistics (27 Hours)
5. Calculus (28 Hours)
6. Toolkit and Exploration (30 hours)

 

What is IB Math AA HL?

 

IB Mathematics Analysis and Approaches (AA) Higher Level (HL) is one of the four courses in the current IB Math curriculum (2021-2027). This course takes a traditional approach, enabling students to gain an in-depth understanding of mathematical concepts and apply them to both theoretical and real-world problems, with and without the aid of technology.

The AA HL course is best suited for students who excel in mathematics and wish to pursue academic or career paths where advanced mathematical skills are essential—such as economics, sciences, engineering, or mathematically related fields—after completing their IB Diploma Programme.

 

Which Students should take this course?

 

• Students who are interested in mathematics
• Are fairly moderate at it
• Keen to study courses involving mathematics after high school (Eg. Economics & Sciences)

 

Topics Covered in Math AA SL

 

1. Number and Algebra (19 Hours)
2. Functions (21 Hours)
3. Geometry and Trigonometry (25 Hours)
4. Probability and Statistics (27 Hours)
5. Calculus (28 Hours)
6. Toolkit and Exploration (30 hours)

 

What is IB Math AI SL?

 

IB Mathematics Applications and Interpretation (AI) Standard Level (SL) is one of the four math courses introduced in the current IB Mathematics curriculum (2021-2027). The IB designed the AI SL course to cater to ‘citizens in our future world’, whereby students can harness the power of technology to solve real-life practical problems. 

The AI SL course is ideal for students with moderate mathematical ability who prefer applying math to everyday contexts rather than exploring it in depth. It is best suited for those planning to pursue academic or career paths that are not heavily dependent on mathematics- such as law, arts or other humanities- after completing their IB Diploma Programme.

 

Which Students should take this course?

 

• Students who are not strong at math
• Do not plan to study any mathematics-based course after high school

 

Topics Covered in Math AI SL

 

1. Number and Algebra (16 Hours)
2. Functions (31 Hours)
3. Geometry and Trigonometry (18 Hours)
4. Probability and Statistics (36 Hours)
5. Calculus (19 Hours)
6. Toolkit and Exploration (30 hours)

 

What is IB Math AI HL?

 

IB Mathematics Applications and Interpretation (AI) Higher Level (HL) is one of the four math courses introduced in the current IB Mathematics curriculum (2021-2027). The IB designed the AI HL course to cater to ‘citizens in our future world’, whereby students can harness the power of technology to solve real-life practical problems. 

The AI HL course suits students with strong mathematical skills who enjoy applying math in practical contexts. It is ideal for those still deciding whether to pursue mathematics-intensive fields after their IB Diploma Programme.

 

Which Students should take this course?

 

• Students who are strong at math
• Enjoy it
• don’t plan on studying any mathematics-based course after high school

 

Topics Covered in Math AI HL

 

1. Number and Algebra (29 Hours)
2. Functions (42 Hours)
3. Geometry and Trigonometry (46 Hours)
4. Probability and Statistics (52 Hours)
5. Calculus (41 Hours)
6. Toolkit and Exploration (30 hours)

 

External assessment

 

• Individual questions will develop from a single theme, with the emphasis on problem-solving that leads to a generalization or interpretation of a context.
• Questions may be presented in the form of words, symbols, diagrams or tables, or combinations of
  These.
• Usually, each question reflects an incline in difficulty, from relatively easy at the start of a question to
  Relatively complex tasks at the end of the question. The emphasis is on problem-solving.

 

Common Study Errors That IB Math Students Make

 

The Analysis & Approaches courses cover a lot of material. With so much material, you can’t afford to fall behind because you won’t be able to catch up. You’ll need to master the subjects during the school year to excel on the IB Math SL/HL papers.

 

Common errors that IB Math students make include :

 

• Ignoring the material you don’t understand: If your teacher didn’t understand it, you need to look for outside help. This IB Math study guide is a great start, but you may need to supplement with outside tutoring.
• Only studying right before the exam: As we said, there are too many topics for both courses to master in only a few weeks (that’s why these courses are spread out over a couple of years!). This is why it’s so crucial that you master the subjects when you’re learning them in class. If you’re still struggling, this guide can help—but don’t be afraid to get tutoring from a teacher or other expert.