IB Mathematics: Maths AA and Maths AI
Maths and the IB Diploma Programme
All IB Diploma candidates must study maths. In this way, the IB Diploma Programme differs from other academic courses, like A-Level, where students can choose to forgo certain subjects entirely. However, the IB programme does allow for some choice, giving candidates the option between two different maths courses. The reason for this is to accommodate for a range of needs, interests, and abilities among students, as well as fulfil the requirements of universities and colleges. So, while all IB students must study maths, they can choose to study either Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (Maths AA) or Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation (Maths AI).
Understanding Maths AA
The IB Maths AA course is split into five sections. These are:
Number and algebra
Functions
Geometry and trigonometry
Statistics and probability
Calculus
It should be noted that each of these five topics has what is called ‘prior learning topics’. This is mathematical knowledge that teachers should ensure IB Maths AA candidates hold before beginning their IBDP studies. If students are unaware of certain prior learning topics, it is crucial that teachers familiarise candidates before moving ahead with Maths AA study. The IB provides detailed information regarding these prior learning topics in their Maths AA Subject Guide.
How Is Maths AA Assessed?
The IB Maths AA course is assessed via an examination and an Internal Assessment (IA). For the moment, attention will be focused on the exam, with a discussion of the AI occurring later.
The Maths AA exam is split across a number of papers. Both Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL) IB maths candidates must sit Paper 1 and Paper 2.
Paper 1 is split into two sections, with Section A consisting of short‑response questions while Section B focusing on extended‑response questions. Calculators are not allowed to be used in this exam. For SL students, the paper will last 1.5 hours and be worth 40% of their total grade; for HL learners, the paper is 2 hours in length and worth 30%. Paper 2 is also divided across two sections with Section A focused on short-answer questions and Section B concerned with extended-response questions. The timings and weighting of final grades between SL and HL are also the same for Paper 2 as for Paper 1. How Paper 2 differs is that students are allowed to use calculators for this exam.
Finally, for HL students only, there is a Paper 3. For this exam, which is only 1 hour in length and worth 20% of the final grade, Maths AA students are allowed to use technology and must complete two compulsory extended‑response problem‑solving questions.
Maths AI Overview
The IB Maths AI course is also divided into five categories:
Number and algebra
Functions
Geometry and trigonometry
Statistics and probability
Calculus
As with the Maths AA course, Maths AI has ‘prior learning topics’ that students must be familiar with to successfully complete the Maths AI course. Once again, teachers should ensure that Maths AI candidates are confident in their understanding prior to tackling the specific topics within the Maths AI course. All of the relevant information can be found within the Maths AI Subject Guide. Ultimately, the Subject Guide, whether for Maths AA or Maths AI, is an essential learning tool for students that should be kept close at hand at all times.
The Maths AI Assessment
IB Maths AI, like with Maths AA, is assessed through examination papers as well as an Internal Assessment (IA).
In the case of Paper 1, both SL and HL candidates will complete a number of short‑response questions based on the syllabus. To assist with their work, they will be allowed to utilise technology. The Paper 1 exam is either 1.5 hours long for SL students and worth 40% of their total grade, or 2 hours for HL candidates and weighted at 30%.
Regarding the Maths AI Paper 2, timings and grade weight remain the same as Paper 1. All candidates may utilise their calculators to complete the extended‑response questions contained within this paper.
As with Maths AA, Maths AI has a third, HL-only examination paper. Paper 3 is a 1 hour exam worth 20% of students’ final grades. Maths AI HL candidates must complete two compulsory extended‑response problem‑solving questions and may use their calculators for assistance.
IB Maths Coursework
As noted earlier, both the Maths AA and Maths AI courses contain a coursework component referred to as an Internal Assessment, or IA. For both IB courses and for both levels (SL and HL) this task is weighted at 20% of a student’s final grade. This task is referred to as a ‘mathematical exploration’ in which both Maths AA and Maths AI students compose a report of between 12 and 20 pages of double spaced text on a topic of their choice where mathematics can be applied. All topics should be vetted by a teacher before a student moves ahead with the task, to ensure a level of quality control from the start. Finally, the IA is marked under the following criteria:
Criterion A – Presentation
Criterion B – Mathematical communication
Criterion C – Personal engagement
Criterion D – Reflection
Criterion E – Use of mathematics
IB Math Support with BartyED
At BartyED, our team of experienced mathematics tutors have worked with IB candidates studying both Maths AA and Maths AI. Our tutors take a holistic approach to education, with lessons tailored to the unique needs of each individual student. Whether it is consolidating prior knowledge, simplifying complex problems, introducing new topics, or offering support through coursework and exam preparation, BartyED’s IB maths tutors have done it all.
So, if you think that you or your child could benefit from the guidance of an expert BartyED maths tutor, reach out today via our contact page or by phone at +852 2882 1017.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, all IB candidates must study maths.
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Simply, Maths AA is more concerned with theoretical mathematics, while Maths AI is interested in real-life applications of maths.
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There is no ‘better’ course. It’s about selecting the right course for the particular student.
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This is a coursework task of between 12 and 20 double spaced pages in which students conduct an exploration on a topic of their choice, examined through the lens of mathematics.