IB Math: Analysis & Approaches SL
Standard Level Math AA emphasizes algebraic and calculus techniques with an analytical approach, suited to students heading into mathematics, science, engineering, or economics.
Difficulty
Challenging
Popularity
71%
Past questions
3
Study tips
5
Key Topics
Exam Format & Dates
May & November, annually
Papers 1–2 ≈ 3h + Exploration
1–7 scale (IB)
4 = passing | 6–7 = excellent
| Section | Duration | Content | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 — No Calculator | 1 hour 30 minutes | Short + extended | 40% |
| Paper 2 — Calculator | 1 hour 30 minutes | Short + extended | 40% |
| Internal Assessment (Exploration) | Coursework (12–20 pages) | 1 mathematical exploration | 20% |
Exam Breakdown & Insights
Difficulty · Demanding
Popularity score
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Study Tips
- 1
Memorize key formulas by using them repeatedly, and know exactly which ones are provided on the formula sheet.
- 2
After solving a problem, check your answer by substitution or estimation to catch sign and arithmetic errors.
- 3
Do practice problems every day — math is learned by doing, not by re-reading notes.
- 4
Past papers with mark schemes are the single best IB revision resource — learn exactly how marks are allocated.
- 5
Do not neglect your Internal Assessment: it is a significant chunk of your grade that you control before exam day.
Past Exam Questions
Define the key terms involved in Number & Algebra and state any formula or rule you would use, explaining what each symbol represents.
A problem involves Functions. Set it up carefully, solve it showing every step of your working, and check that your answer is reasonable.
Prove or justify a general result relating to Trigonometry & Geometry, then apply it to a specific case and interpret what the result means in context.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕
Memorizing procedures without understanding when to use them — exams disguise familiar problems in new contexts.
- ✕
Skipping steps in working, which throws away method marks when the final answer is wrong.
- ✕
Not sanity-checking answers for reasonableness (wrong units, impossible magnitudes, extraneous solutions).
Official Resources
Free, official study material for IB Math: Analysis & Approaches SL — always start with the source your exam board publishes.
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