IB Math AA SL - Study Hub

A public revision hub for IB Math AA SL with syllabus overview, exam structure, and the highest-priority topics to revise first — built around algebraic technique, proof, and analytical method.

What is IB Math AA SL?

IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches SL is the more analytical of the two IB maths courses. It is built around algebraic fluency, functions, trigonometry, calculus, and formal reasoning — including proof — for students who enjoy mathematics as a precise, structured discipline.

The biggest practical difference from Math AI is Paper 1: it is sat WITHOUT a calculator, so AA rewards confident by-hand algebra and exact (surd, fraction, and π) answers. The public Math AA hub on Aimnova focuses on Standard Level — understand the syllabus, prioritise revision, and move into the most repeated exam-style questions.

Subject Group

Group 5 (Mathematics)

Available on Aimnova

SL

Teaching Hours

150 (SL)

Exam Papers

Paper 1 (no GDC) · Paper 2 (GDC) · IA

IB Math AA SL Assessment

Paper 1

40%1 h 30 min

A NON-calculator exam. Short and extended-response questions testing algebra, functions, trigonometry, and calculus by hand, with exact answers (surds, fractions, π).

Paper 2

40%1 h 30 min

A technology-active paper (GDC required) with extended problems across the whole SL syllabus, where the calculator supports — but does not replace — sound method.

Internal Assessment

20%

A mathematical exploration in which students investigate a focused topic of their choice and communicate analytical reasoning clearly.

IB Math AA SL Syllabus - All Units and Topics

Free IB Math AA SL Study Resources

Frequently Asked Questions about IB Math AA SL

What does Math AA SL focus on?

Math AA SL focuses on algebra, functions, sequences and series, trigonometry, calculus (differentiation and integration), statistics and probability, and formal reasoning including proof. It is the more theory-driven of the two IB maths routes.

How is Math AA different from Math AI?

AA is more analytical and algebraic, with a strong emphasis on technique and proof; its Paper 1 is taken without a calculator. AI is more applied and statistics/modelling-led, with both papers calculator-active. Choose AA if you like exact, by-hand mathematics.

Is Paper 1 really non-calculator?

Yes. Math AA Paper 1 is sat without a GDC, so you must be fluent with exact values — surds, fractions, and answers in terms of π — and with by-hand differentiation, integration, and algebraic manipulation. Paper 2 is calculator-active.

How should I revise Math AA SL efficiently?

Drill exact by-hand algebra and calculus for Paper 1 first, then practise GDC-supported extended questions for Paper 2. Prioritise the recurring patterns: functions and transformations, sequences and series, trigonometric equations, differentiation/optimisation, and definite integration, then do full timed papers with clear working.

Does Aimnova already cover the full Math AA public silo?

The public Math AA presence starts with the subject hub, syllabus overview, formula booklet, exam-skills guide, live study path, and mock exams, and expands over time.

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Start revising IB Math AA SL with structure

Use the syllabus overview, formula booklet, and live study path to focus on the algebra, calculus, and proof techniques AA tests most.

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