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IB Math AA - Study Hub
A public revision hub for IB Math AA (SL & HL) with syllabus overview, exam structure, and the highest-priority topics to revise first — built around algebraic technique, proof, and analytical method.
Subject Group
Group 5 (Mathematics)
Available on Aimnova
SL & HL
Teaching Hours
150 (SL) · 240 (HL)
Exam Papers
Paper 1 (no GDC) · Paper 2 (GDC) · Paper 3 (HL) · IA
01—The course
What is IB Math AA?
IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches 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. Aimnova covers Math AA at both Standard and Higher Level — HL adds complex numbers, vectors, proof by induction, differential equations, and an extra Paper 3 — so you can understand the syllabus, prioritise revision, and move into the most repeated exam-style questions at your level.
02—Assessment
IB Math AA Assessment
Paper 1
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
A technology-active paper (GDC required) with extended problems across the whole syllabus, where the calculator supports — but does not replace — sound method.
Paper 3
Higher Level only. Two compulsory extended problem-solving investigations that build an unfamiliar result step by step, with the GDC active.
Internal Assessment
A mathematical exploration in which students investigate a focused topic of their choice and communicate analytical reasoning clearly.
03—Syllabus
IB Math AA Syllabus - All Units and Topics
Unit 1Number & Algebra
- 1.1Standard form2 sub-topics
- 1.2Arithmetic sequences & series4 sub-topics
- 1.3Geometric sequences & series3 sub-topics
- 1.4Financial applications3 sub-topics
- 1.5Logarithms2 sub-topics
- 1.6Proof3 sub-topics
- 1.7Exponent & log laws3 sub-topics
- 1.8Infinite geometric series1 sub-topic
- 1.9Binomial theorem3 sub-topics
Unit 2Functions
- 2.1Straight lines4 sub-topics
- 2.2Functions, domain & range3 sub-topics
- 2.3Graphing1 sub-topic
- 2.4Key features of graphs2 sub-topics
- 2.5Composite & inverse functions3 sub-topics
- 2.6Quadratic functions3 sub-topics
- 2.7Quadratic equations & discriminant3 sub-topics
- 2.8Rational functions & asymptotes2 sub-topics
- 2.9Exponential & log functions2 sub-topics
- 2.10Solving equations1 sub-topic
- 2.11Transformations3 sub-topics
Unit 3Geometry & Trigonometry
Unit 4Statistics & Probability
- 4.1Sampling & reliability2 sub-topics
- 4.2Data presentation3 sub-topics
- 4.3Central tendency & spread4 sub-topics
- 4.4Correlation & regression2 sub-topics
- 4.5Probability basics2 sub-topics
- 4.6Combined & conditional events3 sub-topics
- 4.7Discrete random variables1 sub-topic
- 4.8Binomial distribution2 sub-topics
- 4.9Normal distribution2 sub-topics
- 4.10Regression & prediction1 sub-topic
- 4.11Conditional probability1 sub-topic
- 4.12z-values & inverse normal2 sub-topics
Unit 5Calculus
- 5.1Introduction to derivatives1 sub-topic
- 5.2Increasing & decreasing1 sub-topic
- 5.3Differentiating polynomials2 sub-topics
- 5.4Tangents & normals2 sub-topics
- 5.5Introduction to integration2 sub-topics
- 5.6Chain, product & quotient3 sub-topics
- 5.7Second derivative1 sub-topic
- 5.8Optimisation & inflexion3 sub-topics
- 5.9Kinematics1 sub-topic
- 5.10Integration by substitution2 sub-topics
- 5.11Definite integrals & areas2 sub-topics
04—Resources
Free IB Math AA Study Resources
05—FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about IB Math AA
What does Math AA focus on?
Math AA focuses on algebra, functions, sequences and series, trigonometry, calculus (differentiation and integration), statistics and probability, and formal reasoning including proof. At HL it extends into complex numbers, vectors, proof by induction, differential equations, and Maclaurin series. 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.
What is the difference between Math AA SL and HL?
HL covers everything in SL plus additional topics (complex numbers, vectors and planes, proof by induction, l’Hôpital, differential equations, and Maclaurin series), runs to 240 teaching hours versus 150, and adds a third exam — Paper 3, a one-hour pair of extended problem-solving investigations worth 20%.
Is Paper 1 really non-calculator?
Yes. Math AA Paper 1 is sat without a GDC at both SL and HL, 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 (and the HL Paper 3) are calculator-active.
How should I revise Math AA efficiently?
Drill exact by-hand algebra and calculus for Paper 1 first, then practise GDC-supported extended questions for Paper 2 (and Paper 3 at HL). Prioritise the recurring patterns: functions and transformations, sequences and series, trigonometric equations, differentiation/optimisation, and definite integration — plus complex numbers, vectors, and differential equations at HL — then do full timed papers with clear working.
Start revising IB Math AA with structure
Use the syllabus overview, formula booklet, and live study path to focus on the algebra, calculus, and proof techniques AA tests most — at SL and HL.
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