IB Maths AA Paper 2: The Complete Guide (for SL and HL)

What is IB Maths AA Paper 2?

The assessment for IB Maths Analysis and Approaches (AA) consists of an Internal Assessment, as well as a number of External Assessments. For SL, there are 2 externally assessed exam papers; for HL students, there are three. Paper 2 is assessed at both SL and HL. 

What distinguishes Paper 2 from Paper 1 is that students must use their graphing calculators (GDC), as opposed to Paper 1’s non-calculator format. 

IB Maths AA Paper 2 consists of Section A (short-responses) and Section B (extended response), and all questions are compulsory. While the SL paper is 90 minutes long, worth 80 marks and makes up 40% of the final Maths AA grade, Paper 2 at HL lasts 2 hours, is worth 110 marks and makes up 30% of the final grade. This is because HL students must also contend with Paper 3, worth 20%. 

However the differences between SL and HL go beyond time and marks. Here’s a quick overview before we get into the details.

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Differences between SL and HL Maths AA Paper 2

SL

 HL
Time allowed
 1 hour 30 minutes
  2 hours
Total marks
  80 marks
 110 marks
Weighting
  40%  30%
Sections
  Section A + B
 Section A + B
Additional papers
  N/A  Paper 3
HL-only topics frequently included in Paper 2
 Vectors, complex numbers, differential equations, proof
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From the 2029 assessment onwards (first teaching August 2027), the AA course is being restructured around five explicitly named topics:

  1. Number and Algebra
  2. Functions
  3. Geometry
  4. Probability and Statistics
  5. Calculus

The assessment format remains similar, but HL teaching hours increase, particularly in Calculus and Geometry. If you are beginning the IB in 2027 or later, check with your teacher which syllabus applies to you.

What Topics Can Come Up in IB Maths AA Paper 2?

It’s important to know that any topic from the syllabus can come up on Paper 2. The distinction lies in how the candidate uses their GDC to solve problems, not which topics are assessed.

As already mentioned, the new IB Maths AA syllabus is divided into 5 topics:

  1. Number and Algebra: including sequences and series, logarithms, binomial theorem

  2. Functions: graphical analysis, transformations, exponential and logarithmic models

  3. Geometry and Trigonometry: trigonometric equations, 3D problems and, for HL students, vectors

  4. Statistics and Probability: normal distribution, regression lines, probability distributions

  5. Calculus: arguably the trickiest topic on the syllabus, this includes optimisation, kinematics, integration and, for HL only, related rates

In addition, there are certain HL-only topics that are used as the basis for Section B questions. In the past, these have included vectors, complex numbers, differential equations, and proofs. 

For a busy student, it’s perhaps unfortunate that all topics may come up on the Paper 2, meaning none can be de-prioritised. However, calculus and statistics have historically carried the most marks on Paper 2. 

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The new AA course which will be taught from Aug 2027 onwards will see Calculus learning hours increase to 59 at HL under the new curriculum (up from 55). Differential equations and the Maclaurin series remain HL-only.

IB Maths AA Paper 2 Exam Techniques

  1. GDC fluency: This is the most important part of Paper 2 exam technique. The calculator is only as accurate as the student, after all. Many students make the mistake of simply using their GDC passively when answering exam questions, but this is ineffective. There’s so many essential GDC techniques required for Paper 2, such as graphing mode (useful for intercepts, turning points, intersections), statistics mode (regression, normal distribution, hypothesis testing), and numerical equation solving. A more effective practice is to drill techniques by topic. 

  2. Formula booklet navigation: Many students simply don’t know what is in their formula booklet. It’s an essential resource, but it doesn’t contain all the information you need on exam day. Students must still memorise trigonometric ratios, certain derivative rules and some probability results, among others. 

  3. Showing working with a GDC: A common misconception is that the calculator removes the need to show steps. Examiners award method marks for working, and a wrong final answer with correct method can still earn most of the available marks. Students should write down what they entered, what the calculator returned, and how they interpreted it.

  4. Section A approach: Move efficiently through this section by using mark allocations as a time guide (roughly a mark per minute). Don’t over-write on these shorter questions.

  5. Section B approach: You should read the whole question before starting part (a). Later parts often signal the method required across the question, and the difficulty builds throughout Section B. Using an efficient method in part (a) will make the other parts easier.

  6. Accuracy and rounding: For Maths AA, three significant figures is the standard, unless specified by the question. Students should avoid rounding mid-calculation, instead doing so only at the final step.

  7. Time management: Avoid stalling out on individual questions. Try to bank marks across the more accessible questions before returning to anything unfinished. 

How to Build a Paper 2 Revision Plan

Past papers are the most effective revision tool in a Maths AA student’s kit, but only when used properly. For a student’s first attempt, it could be beneficial to complete a full, timed paper under exam conditions. Then, review the mark scheme actively to understand why marks were awarded, not just whether the answer was right.

  1. Separate GDC practice from general topic revision. Students should spend dedicated time learning their calculator's functions by topic (e.g. practising regression on a statistics question, not just encountering it mid-paper for the first time)

  2. It’s worth completing Section B questions from past papers in isolation, understanding how to approach multi-part questions is essential for Paper 2 candidates

  3. For HL students: Paper 3 problem-solving questions overlap in style with longer Section B questions, so past Paper 3 questions are useful extended practice even when revising Paper 2

  4. Identify weak topics early using past paper performance, then target those specifically rather than re-covering comfortable ground

  5. Note the most recent exam sessions available and work backwards. The most recent papers best reflect current examiner style

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Past papers from the current syllabus (2021 onwards) will not map directly onto the new course structure. Students beginning the IB in 2027 should use current papers for technique practice, but align topic revision to the new syllabus once official materials are available.

Start Your IB Maths AA Paper 2 Preparation with BartyED

Ultimately, Paper 2 of IB Maths AA is structured to reward those with genuine topic understanding, comprehensive and confident GDC technique and disciplined exam strategy. There’s no use developing just one area, all three must be in play. Our tutors are experienced across the IB Maths courses, including both AA SL and HL, and we’re aware of the changes to the incoming syllabus (first assessment in 2029). 

Get in touch with BartyED to find the right IB Maths AA tutor for you. Contact us by phone +852 2882 1017, WhatsApp +852 57215837, email enquiries@bartyed.com, or fill in the form below and we will match you with the right tutor.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • HL students take three exam papers; SL students complete two exam papers.

  • Paper 2 is weighted at 30% for HL students and 40% for SL students.

  • Yes, students can use their calculators for IB Maths AA Paper 2 questions.

  • For the 2029 exam, which begins teaching in August 2027, the Maths AA course is being restructured.

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IB Diploma, MathematicsMark Malone