November 2026 session
IB Math AI HL Paper 2 Predicted Questions 2026
The extended-response topics most likely to appear in the 2026 Paper 2 — backed by frequency analysis of past papers. The GDC is required throughout this paper.
Math AI HL Paper 2 Crash Course
Long questions reward a plan, not luck.
Learn the GDC methods that unlock the top marks.
This crash course targets the Paper 2 extended-response topics with the highest past-paper frequency — optimisation, graph theory (MST, TSP, Chinese postman), coupled differential equations, and Markov chains. Every method is GDC-first, worked end-to-end, and structured the way HL examiners award marks.
- Optimisation and graph-theory walkthroughs — the two highest-signal HL long questions.
- GDC methods for coupled differential equations, phase portraits, and Markov transition matrices.
- Vectors, kinematics, and chi-squared questions worked end-to-end with full method marks.
- A daily revision plan so you know which HL topics to hit in the final two weeks.
Most likely Paper 1 focus areas
Based on frequency analysis across past Math AI HL Paper 2 sessions
- 1Optimisation — maximise or minimise a real-world model with calculus and the GDC — appeared 54 times, the single highest-frequency Paper 2 topic
- 2Graph theory: minimum spanning tree, travelling salesman, and Chinese postman routing problems — 52 appearances, an HL-only long question
- 3Coupled differential equations and phase portraits — solving systems and reading trajectories — 40 appearances
- 4Markov chains and transition matrices — steady-state and long-run probabilities — 39 appearances
- 5Vectors and kinematics — position, velocity, and motion in 2D and 3D — 33 appearances
- 6Statistics: chi-squared tests and grouped-data analysis — 31 appearances
- 7Modelling with functions — fitting and interpreting a model in context — 27 appearances
- 8Hypothesis testing with the Poisson and binomial distributions — 24 appearances
How to use these predictions effectively
- 1Prioritise optimisation and graph theory first — together they dominate the Paper 2 frequency data.
- 2Practise full written working even when the GDC does the computation — HL marks follow the method.
- 3Drill the HL-only methods until they are automatic: MST/TSP, transition matrices, and coupled DE systems.
- 4After each practice, check your answer structure: setup, working, answer with units, then context.
Ready to walk in confident on Math AI HL Paper 2?
The crash course gives you the right HL topics, GDC-first worked methods, and extended-response practice reps to score well on Paper 2.
Join the Math AI HL Paper 2 crash course