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IB Maths AA SL Study Guide & Review

Build reliable algebraic fluency, connect symbolic and graphical representations, and prepare separately for no-calculator and GDC-supported work across the current IB Maths AA SL course.

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  1. 01Learn concepts
  2. 02Practise questions
  3. 03Review mistakes

Syllabus knowledge tree

Explore the IB Maths AA SL syllabus

The current IB Maths AA SL syllabus develops analytical reasoning across number and algebra, functions, geometry and trigonometry, statistics and probability, and calculus. Use the five-group map to navigate the 51 SL objectives without importing AHL scope.

5
syllabus groups
5
mapped topics

Preview the course map

Explore the course units and topics. Sign in to open the full mastery workspace and see your progress.

1 Number and algebra
1.1 Number and algebra - SL content
2 Functions
2.1 Functions - SL content
3 Geometry and trigonometry
3.1 Geometry and trigonometry - SL content
4 Statistics and probability
4.1 Statistics and probability - SL content
5 Calculus
5.1 Calculus - SL content

How to study IB Maths AA SL

IB Maths AA SL improves when every method is connected to meaning and representation. Use the syllabus map to identify the exact objective, then move among algebra, graph, diagram, table and verbal interpretation. Before calculating, state what is known and select the relationship; after calculating, check domain, sign, scale, units and whether the result answers the question. Keep working visible because method and reasoning matter alongside the final answer.

Use Concept to rebuild why a method works, Mastery to retrieve exact forms and procedures, and the Question Bank to choose methods without prompts. After marking, identify the first invalid step and classify it as concept, algebra, representation, notation, GDC use or interpretation. Close the solution, repair that category and solve a matched problem again.

Practise mathematical demands differently

Match algebra, representation, calculus, probability and technology use to the structure of the problem instead of copying one worked routine.

Algebra, proof and functions

Sequences, logarithms, deductive proof, transformations and equations

State conditions and preserve exact forms while manipulating expressions. Connect algebra to the graph or sequence behaviour, then test domain, special cases and whether every solution satisfies the original statement.

Practise algebra and functions

Geometry and trigonometry

Trigonometric models, identities, equations and spatial reasoning

Draw and label the geometry before choosing a relationship. Track angle units and restrictions, connect symbolic results to the diagram, and reject solutions that conflict with the stated interval or context.

Practise geometry

Statistics and probability

Distributions, expected value, correlation and probability models

Define the random variable or population first, choose the model and state its conditions. Interpret calculator output in context, distinguish association from causation and check that probabilities remain plausible.

Practise probability

Calculus and modelling

Differentiation, integration, optimization, area and kinematics

Connect derivative or integral to the graph and physical meaning before calculating. Keep intervals and constants visible, test endpoints where required, and interpret the final value with correct units.

Practise calculus

Paper 1 and Paper 2 workflows

No-calculator exact work and GDC-supported solving

For Paper 1, practise exact algebra and complete written methods. For Paper 2, establish the mathematics before using the GDC, record relevant output and explain what the result means.

Open mixed practice

Where to start

Begin from one known skill or use mixed questions to reveal the first repeatable conceptual, algebraic or interpretation failure.

Choose your starting point

  1. I know the weak skill

    Open its exact syllabus group and reconstruct the definition, representation and conditions before solving examples.

    Browse the syllabus

  2. I do not know what is weak

    Attempt a short mixed set and stop at the first repeated method-selection, algebra or communication error.

    Open mixed questions

Choose the right starting point

  1. Understand the method

    Connect the symbolic procedure to a graph, diagram or definition and state when the method applies.

    Review a Concept

  2. Retrieve without prompts

    Reconstruct the setup and key steps from memory, keeping notation, exact values and assumptions precise.

    Check Mastery

  3. Apply, classify and retry

    Solve an unfamiliar problem, locate the first invalid step and repeat after repairing that error category.

    Practise questions

IB Maths AA SL assessment format

External assessment contributes 80% across two papers and the exploration contributes 20%. SL preparation should separate no-calculator exact work from deliberate GDC-supported reasoning.

Paper / componentQuestionsTime% of grade
Paper 180 marksSection A short-response and Section B extended-response questions; calculators are not permitted.How to prepare: Practise exact forms, algebraic control, diagrams, proof and complete supported working without relying on calculator output.1 hour 30 minutes40%
Paper 280 marksSection A short-response and Section B extended-response questions; a graphic display calculator is required, although not every question needs it.How to prepare: Set up the mathematics first, use technology deliberately, record relevant output and interpret the result with appropriate accuracy and notation.1 hour 30 minutes40%
Mathematical exploration20 marksOne individual mathematical report, internally assessed and externally moderated; the mathematics is judged at the appropriate level.How to prepare: Choose a focused question, show personal mathematical decision-making and ensure interpretation, reflection and communication support the mathematics used.Approximately 15 course hours20%

SourceInternational Baccalaureate Organization · Mathematics: analysis and approaches guideIB Mathematics: analysis and approaches · First assessment May 2021

IB Maths AA SL questions

Choose one objective when the weakness is known; otherwise attempt a short mixed set. Rebuild the definition and representation, solve without prompts and classify the first invalid step before deciding whether to review the concept or practise another question.

Practise without a calculator from the beginning. Preserve exact values, show algebra and reasoning clearly, draw accurate diagrams and check domains, signs and special cases so the method remains visible even when the final answer is incorrect.

Set up the mathematics before touching the calculator. Use the GDC to solve, graph or process data deliberately, record enough output to support the method and interpret the result with sensible accuracy, notation and context.

No. A clean formula booklet is available in the examinations. Learn to recognize when each relationship applies, translate its notation to the problem and check its conditions instead of memorising page locations or searching passively.