IB Math AA Revision Guide (2026 Exam)
Everything you need to prepare for IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches: a paper-by-paper breakdown for both SL and HL, a 6-week revision timeline, topic-by-topic checklists, and links to free notes and flashcards. Built around the non-calculator Paper 1 and the GDC-allowed Paper 2 (plus HL Paper 3) so you practise the right skills for each exam.
⭐ Predicted Topics for IB Math AA 2026
Want to know which topics are most likely to show up? We've analysed past papers across recent sessions to find the highest-frequency question types — recurring favourites like binomial expansion, transformations of functions, the chain rule, and the normal distribution. You should revise the whole syllabus, but weighting your final weeks toward these high-probability areas is the smartest way to study.
Essential Math AA Command Terms
In maths, the command term tells you how much working to show and what counts as a complete answer. 'Show that' demands full reasoning to a given result; 'hence' means you must use the previous part; and 'find' usually expects an exact or fully simplified answer. Reading the command term correctly is how you secure method marks even when the final answer slips.
Show that
Prove that a given result is true. The answer is already provided, so every line of working must be justified — you cannot just state the result. Examiners award marks for the reasoning, not the conclusion.
Hence
Use your previous answer or result to reach the next one. You must build on the earlier part — an unconnected method may score zero, even if correct. "Hence, or otherwise" allows a fresh start.
Find
Obtain the answer, showing the working that leads to it. On Paper 1 give exact values (surds, fractions, π); on Paper 2 give answers to three significant figures unless told otherwise.
IB Math AA Grade Calculator
Not sure what raw mark you need across Paper 1, Paper 2 (and Paper 3 at HL) to land a 6 or a 7? Use our interactive grade calculator to enter your mock or target percentages and see how they map onto final IB grades using historical grade boundaries.
Know the papers
The biggest revision mistake is studying content but ignoring format. Know exactly what each paper asks for before you start practising.
No calculator allowed. Section A: short structured questions. Section B: extended-response questions. Answer all questions. The formula booklet is provided; arithmetic must be done by hand.
- Practise exact values — surds, fractions and multiples of π, never decimals
- Know the unit circle and exact trig ratios cold; you cannot fall back on the GDC
- Show every algebraic step — method marks are awarded even if the final answer is wrong
- Sketch a quick diagram for geometry, calculus and function questions before you start
A graphic display calculator (GDC) is required. Same structure as Paper 1 — Section A short questions, Section B extended response — but problems are designed to be solved with technology. Answer all questions.
- Master your GDC: solving equations, finding intersections, definite integrals and statistics menus
- Write down the unrounded value, then round the final answer to 3 significant figures
- State what you typed or which GDC feature you used — examiners want to see the method
- Set the GDC to the correct angle mode (degrees vs radians) before every trig calculation
HL only. Two extended problem-solving questions that build investigation-style reasoning over several connected parts. A GDC is required. Earlier parts scaffold the harder ones, so partial progress still earns marks.
- Read all parts first — later parts usually depend on results you derive early on
- When asked to "conjecture" a pattern, test small cases, then justify or prove the general rule
- Carry exact results forward between parts to avoid compounding rounding errors
- Manage time across two long questions — do not let one part swallow the whole hour
6-week revision timeline
Starting 6 weeks out gives you enough time to go through all 5 units, identify weak spots, and do meaningful exam practice.
- Work through the notes for every topic — use the index on /ib-math-aa
- Build a personal formula sheet of the results NOT given in the formula booklet (e.g. quadratic formula, SOH-CAH-TOA, exact trig values)
- Start flashcard review for Topics 1–2 (Number & Algebra, Functions)
- Begin spaced flashcard review across all five topics
- Attempt one full non-calculator Paper 1 under timed conditions
- Drill GDC technique for Paper 2: equation solving, intersections, integrals and distributions
- Complete at least one full timed Paper 1 and one Paper 2 per week (HL: add Paper 3 problems)
- Target weak topics revealed by your flashcard and past-paper performance
- Re-do every question you got wrong, writing out the corrected full method
- Review mark schemes to see exactly where method marks are awarded
- Skim every topic summary — reinforce the key methods, do not re-read in full
- Continue daily flashcard review (due cards only) and rehearse exact-value recall for Paper 1
- Quick scan of your formula sheet and the unit circle
- Confirm GDC is charged, in the correct mode, and memory is cleared for the exam
- Pack calculator and equipment, then get a full night of sleep
Revise by unit
Each unit has a different exam weight. Prioritise accordingly — but don't skip any unit entirely.
Number and Algebra
Exam weight: High — sequences, logs and binomial expansion appear in almost every Paper 1
Functions
Exam weight: Very High — domain/range, transformations and quadratics are core to both papers
Geometry and Trigonometry
Exam weight: High — exact trig values and identities are heavily tested on the non-calculator Paper 1
Statistics and Probability
Exam weight: Medium — the normal distribution and conditional probability favour Paper 2 and the GDC
Calculus
Exam weight: Very High — differentiation and integration are the single most-tested area at both levels
IB Math AA Revision FAQ
How long should you revise for IB Math AA?
Start dedicated revision about 6 weeks before the exam. Maths rewards practice over re-reading, so spend most of that time doing past-paper questions under timed conditions — at least three to four full papers of each type — rather than just reviewing notes. Build in separate non-calculator (Paper 1) and GDC (Paper 2) practice so each skill set stays sharp.
Is IB Math AA hard?
Math AA is the more theoretical and proof-heavy of the two IB maths courses, and HL in particular is regarded as one of the most demanding subjects in the Diploma. The difficulty is less about memorisation and more about applying methods to unfamiliar problems — especially on the non-calculator Paper 1 and the HL Paper 3 investigations. Consistent practice and strong algebra fundamentals make it very manageable.
What is the difference between Paper 1 and Paper 2?
Paper 1 is non-calculator: it tests algebraic technique and exact-value work, so you must know the quadratic formula, log laws and the unit circle by heart. Paper 2 allows a graphic display calculator and asks problems designed to be solved with technology — solving equations numerically, finding intersections, evaluating integrals and using statistics menus. HL students also sit Paper 3, two extended problem-solving questions with a GDC.
How do you get a 7 in IB Math AA?
Master your exact-value and algebra fundamentals for Paper 1, become fluent with every relevant feature of your GDC for Paper 2, and always show full working so you collect method marks even when an answer is off. Read each command term carefully — 'show that' and 'hence' have specific requirements — and learn from mark schemes where the marks actually sit. Securing a strong Internal Assessment also takes pressure off the final exams.
Turn your Math AA revision plan into results
Aimnova builds a personalised study plan around your exam date — tracks your progress, surfaces weak topics across all five Math AA areas, and schedules exactly what to practise each day.
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