Everything you need to prepare for IB Maths Applications and Interpretation: a paper-by-paper strategy for SL and HL, a 6-week revision timeline, unit checklists, and links to free notes and flashcards. Math AI rewards confident calculator use and clear interpretation of real-world data — this guide shows you exactly how to practise both.
Want to know what's most likely to show up on your exam? We analyse every recent Math AI past paper to find the highest-frequency topics — the recurring favourites like normal distribution, the chi-squared test, exponential and trigonometric models, and optimisation with calculus. Revise everything, but spend your final weeks on these high-probability areas: it is the smartest way to study.
In Math AI you can do the maths correctly and still lose marks if you ignore the command term. The instruction tells you how much working to show and whether the calculator alone is enough. Learn the difference between 'write down', 'find' and 'hence' before you sit the exam.
Find
Obtain an answer, showing the relevant working. A correct answer with no method risks losing the working marks even when the GDC gives the value instantly.
Write down
Obtain the answer without showing working — usually read straight from your GDC. Quick marks: do not waste time on algebra the question is not asking for.
Hence
Use the previous result to reach the next answer. You must build on the earlier part; an unconnected fresh method will not earn the marks.
Not sure what percentage you need across Paper 1 and Paper 2 (and Paper 3 at HL) to land a 7? Use our interactive grade calculator to enter your mock or target scores and see exactly how they convert to final IB grades, based on historical Math AI boundaries.
What grade are you on track for?
Enter your marks per paper and see the grade boundaries you are aiming at.
The biggest revision mistake is studying content but ignoring format. Know exactly what each paper asks for before you start practising.
Paper 1SL + HL1 h 30 min (SL) / 2 hours (HL)40% (SL) / 30% (HL)
Short-response questions covering the whole syllabus — answer all questions. A GDC is required throughout, and the formula booklet is provided. Each question typically starts easy and builds.
A GDC is expected on every question — use it to solve equations, find intersections and evaluate statistics rather than doing it by hand
Read whether a part says "write down" (no working needed) or "find" (show your method) — it changes how much you write
Quote answers to 3 significant figures unless told otherwise, and keep full accuracy in your GDC until the final line
Aim for roughly 1.5 minutes per mark and never leave a "write down" part blank — they are the fastest marks on the paper
Paper 2SL + HL1 h 30 min (SL) / 2 hours (HL)40% (SL) / 30% (HL)
Extended-response, problem-solving questions set in real-world contexts — answer all questions. A GDC and the formula booklet are required. Questions often run across several linked parts modelling one scenario.
Show the calculator steps that earn method marks — e.g. state the model and the values you entered, not just the final number
Define your variables and units before you start a long modelling question so later parts stay consistent
For statistics, state the test, the hypotheses and the p-value, then compare with the significance level before concluding
Carry intermediate values at full GDC accuracy and only round the final answer — early rounding loses accuracy marks
Paper 3HL only1 hour20% (HL)
Two compulsory extended problem-solving questions that build investigation-style across many parts. A GDC and the formula booklet are required, and questions integrate several HL topics into one unfolding problem.
Expect to be guided through an investigation — answer each scaffolded part in order, as later parts depend on earlier ones
Be ready to spot and justify a pattern or generalisation, then apply it; "comment" and "suggest" parts reward clear reasoning
Lean on HL-only tools where prompted — matrices and eigenvalues, complex numbers, graph theory, or differential equations (Euler's method)
Manage your time tightly: 1 hour across two large questions means you cannot afford to get stuck on one early part
Start dedicated Math AI revision about 6 weeks before the exam. That gives you time to cover all five units, make your GDC routines automatic, and complete at least three or four full past papers under timed conditions — which matters more in Math AI than in almost any other subject because every paper allows a calculator.
Is Math AI easier than Math AA?+
They are different rather than simply easier or harder. Math AI focuses on real-world modelling, statistics and confident technology use, with less abstract algebra and no formal proof. Many students find the content more approachable, but the marks still demand careful interpretation, correct command-term responses and accurate calculator work.
What topics come up most in Math AI?+
Statistics and Probability (Unit 4) is the heaviest unit and almost always includes the normal distribution, correlation and regression, and the chi-squared test. Functions and modelling, 3D geometry and trigonometry, and calculus optimisation also appear reliably. Check our Predicted Topics page for the latest data-driven breakdown.
How do I get a 7 in Math AI?+
Master your GDC so common routines are instant, then show the working that still earns method marks even when the calculator produces the answer. Keep full accuracy until the final line, round to 3 significant figures, answer the exact command term, and — at HL — practise Paper 3 investigations so the multi-part problem-solving format feels familiar.
First topic free
Turn your Math AI revision plan into results
Aimnova builds a personalised study plan around your exam date — it tracks your progress, surfaces weak topics like statistics or optimisation, and schedules exactly what to review each day.