IB Analysis and Approaches (AA) Standard Level and Higher Level share similar material. IB Mathematics (AA) Standard Level is closely related to the past Mathematics SL, while IB Mathematics (AA) Standard Level is similar to the past Mathematics HL.
In fact, IB AA Standard Level questions will appear in the Higher-Level exam papers. This is good news for students at Higher Level as the standard level questions are relatively more straightforward, and they’ll have a better chance of scoring in these questions.
IB AA Higher Level Mathematics is designed for students who possess a high aptitude for proofs, calculus, and algebra as these topics constitute a large part of HL AA Mathematics. For students aiming to excel, seeking the guidance of an IB math tutor is highly recommended.
Math AA SL Mathematics involves a fair bit of algebra and calculus, more so than IB Mathematics SL Applications and Interpretations. IB has made the difference between SL Math and HL Math wider. The topic of vectors is taken out of SL AA Mathematics, making it less rich in content than the past SL Mathematics.
This topic has been made more rigorous than the previous Mathematical Studies Standard Level. Binomial Distribution, Spearman’s Rank Correlation Coefficient, Voronoi Diagrams, and Mathematical Modelling are among the additional subjects included. On the other hand, some information has been removed; Logic is one such area.
IB Mathematics Applications and Interpretations Higher Level is a new subject that schools do not offer.
Some of the questions in an IB AI Math SL exam paper can be found in IB AI Math HL exam paper offering Higher Level students a good chance at scoring well. Engaging in math tuition for IB students can provide them with the necessary practice and understanding to excel in these exams.
Mathematics AI HL, unlike Mathematics AA HL, has more statistics content. Some of the statistics content from the former IB Mathematics HL, such as Poisson Distribution, has been moved to IB Maths AI HL. Mathematics AI HL involves calculus content but is less demanding as compared to IB Mathematics AA HL. Students in Singapore can significantly benefit from IB maths tuition to navigate these challenges effectively.
Whether you’re taking IB Math: Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations, you are required to complete a Math Internal Assessment (IA), which is a take-home assignment. Below are the different types of mathematics explorations you can choose from:
Investigation
This type of exploration involves applying a mathematical concept to verify an observation or hypothesis. In your report, you should focus on how this concept helps you gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics behind what you’re observing.
Modelling
Modelling typically involves developing a mathematical model to describe a real-life situation. This often begins with a practical problem and may require data collection. The goal is to create a model and demonstrate that it effectively explains or solves the problem at hand.
Application
Application-based explorations involve presenting an alternative perspective or proving a concept in a new way. This type of exploration often requires a clear, concise justification or proof of the method. Your work should offer original insights, not just repeat existing solutions.
In addition to that, students have a do an exam at the end of their IB course.Here is a table that outlines the assessment for IB Math Analysis and Approaches (AA) SL and HL students:
Here is the updated table with the duration of each exam included:
Component |
SL Students |
HL Students |
External Assessment | 80% of total grade | 80% of total grade |
Paper 1 |
– 40% of total grade – No calculator – Short & extended response questions – Covers the entire syllabus except options Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes |
– 30% of total grade – No calculator – Short & extended response questions – Covers the entire syllabus except options Duration: 2 hours |
Paper 2 |
– 40% of total grade – Calculator allowed – Short & extended response questions – Covers the entire syllabus except options Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes |
– 30% of total grade – Calculator allowed – Short & extended response questions – Covers the entire syllabus except options Duration: 2 hours |
Paper 3 | Not applicable |
– 20% of total grade – Calculator allowed – 2 extended-response problem-solving questions – Assesses advanced problem-solving skills from HL syllabus Duration: 1 hour For HL AA Math exams starting 2025, Paper 3 will be extended to 1 hour 15 minutes |
Internal Assessment | 20% of total grade | 20% of total grade |
Mathematical Exploration |
– Written report (12 – 18 pages) – Allows students to explore a topic of interest – Applies mathematical concepts to real-life or theoretical context |
– Written report (12 – 18 pages) – HL students expected to demonstrate more depth – Applies mathematical concepts to real-life or theoretical context |
Unlike IB Math: Analysis and Approaches, students doing Applications and Interpretations at both HL and SL are allowed to use a graphical calculator in all exams. As the name implies, Applications and Interpretations focuses more on applying mathematical concepts to various real-world scenarios, with students sometimes required to explain in words why certain results are obtained. Here’s a table outlining how IB Math Applications and Interpretations (AI) Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL) students are assessed:
Component | SL Students | HL Students |
---|---|---|
External Assessment | 80% of total grade | 80% of total grade |
Paper 1 |
– 40% of total grade – Calculator required – Short-response questions – Focus on the entire syllabus – Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes |
– 30% of total grade – Calculator required – Short-response questions – Focuses on the entire syllabus – Duration: 2 hours |
Paper 2 |
– 40% of total grade – Calculator allowed – Extended-response questions – Focuses on the entire syllabus – Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes |
– 30% of total grade – Calculator allowed – Extended-response questions – Focuses on the entire syllabus – Duration: 2 hours |
Paper 3 | Not applicable |
– 20% of total grade – Calculator required – 2 extended-response problem-solving questions – Focuses on mathematical modeling and advanced applications – Duration: 1 hour |
Internal Assessment | 20% of total grade | 20% of total grade |
Mathematical Exploration |
– Written report (12 – 18 pages) – Allows students to investigate a topic of interest using real-world applications – Applies mathematical concepts to real-life or theoretical contexts |
– Written report (12 – 18 pages) – Requires greater depth in investigation and analysis – Focuses on real-world applications and mathematical concepts |
Students planning to study Engineering, Computer Science and Mathematics at University should take HL Mathematics AA. Some universities in the UK only accept HL Mathematics AA students in their Medicine and Economics courses.
However, HL Mathematics AA is not a prerequisite for students planning to take medicine economics in Singaporean universities such as NUS or NTU. They are only required to have taken IB Mathematics AA Standard level for these courses.
As for courses such as Law, Social Sciences, Psychology, Business, Architecture, Information Systems, Environmental Studies, Food Science, or Industrial Design, students just need to have taken Mathematics SL AA or Mathematics AI HL to qualify.
However, do note that since Mathematics SL AI is the least rigorous among all the subjects, students studying this subject may not be able to qualify for the courses mentioned above in some of the more competitive Universities.
When it comes to their lessons, most maths teachers have heard pupils ask, “When will I use this?” When they cannot relate what they are learning in maths class to issues in real life, students get disillusioned with the subject. At IB Super, we show them how mathematics is utilised in real-life. From classroom demonstrations to videos, individuals attending our classes can see for themselves how our society has progressed with the use of mathematics. Our IB math tutors ensure that students not only understand the theory but also how it applies in the real world.
Completing an internal assessment in Mathematics is mandatory for students. The Mathematics Internal Assessment takes up 20% of their total IB grade and is a personal project they complete on any topic of their choice. By demonstrating how math is useful in our daily lives, they can use this knowledge to write a good personal engagement for their Mathematics Internal Assessment.
Our past students did exceptionally well in the past year’s IB exams. Many of them scored 6s and 7s in their exams. We have a unique method of instruction that helps individuals excel and become IB Superstars. We are confident in our ability to help students who regularly attend classes succeed in IB Mathematics. If you’re looking for effective IB maths tuition in Singapore, IB Super is the place to be.
At IB Super, we provide an extensive range of IB Mathematics questions for students to practice with, including those from past IB exams as well as our own original questions inspired by previous papers.
Students who join our IB Mathematics tuition program will receive ample practice, ensuring they are fully prepared for their IB exams by the end of the two-year course. From cheat sheets to booklets highlighting common student mistakes, we accelerate learning by offering top-quality resources.
We believe every student has the potential to be a superstar. With our experienced and qualified tutors, along with an effective curriculum, students can unlock their full potential. Our personalized teaching approach ensures that IB Mathematics tuition at IB Super will empower you to become an IB Superstar!