All About IB Mathematics: AA vs AI, Syllabus, Exams & Which One to Choose

Let’s face it: when most students hear “IB Math,” they either panic or groan. But here’s the good news — the modern IB Math curriculum isn’t just about crunching numbers or solving obscure algebra problems. It’s about building mathematical thinking, real-world application, and adaptability across fields — whether you're into finance, physics, or philosophy.

Let’s walk through what Group 5 Mathematics really looks like — in plain English.

The Big Change: Goodbye Math SL/HL, Hello AA and AI

In 2019, IB revamped its entire Math structure. Instead of Math SL and HL, we now have two distinct courses:

Course	Focus
Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (AA)	Pure math, algebra-heavy, more theoretical
Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation (AI)	Practical math, modeling, stats, tech-heavy

Each is offered at Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL). That’s four options total:

• AA SL

• AA HL

• AI SL

• AI HL

Let’s dig into each and help you figure out which one fits your goals.

What’s in the Syllabus?

Both AA and AI cover five main topics, but the emphasis shifts depending on which path you choose.

Topic	What It Covers
1. Number & Algebra	Equations, sequences, exponents, proofs
2. Functions	Graphing, transformations, behavior of functions
3. Geometry & Trigonometry	Angles, triangles, 3D shapes, trig identities
4. Statistics & Probability	Data analysis, distributions, probability theory
5. Calculus	Derivatives, integrals, limits (deeper in HL)

So what’s the difference?

AA vs AI: What’s the Real Difference?

Feature	Math AA	Math AI
Focus	Abstract math, algebra, calculus	Real-world modeling, data interpretation
Strength	Proofs, trig, limits	Stats, simulations, technology
Ideal for	Engineers, physicists, mathematicians	Social scientists, biologists, economists, artists
Tech use	Limited	Frequent use of graphing calculators/spreadsheets

TL;DR:

• If you love algebra, patterns, and theory → Go for AA

• If you like real-world math, modeling, and practical application → Go for AI

Assessment Structure

Regardless of your path, the exam format is pretty consistent. Here’s the general breakdown:

📤 External Assessment (80%)

Paper	Description	Calculator?
Paper 1	Pure math questions	❌ No calculator
Paper 2	More application-based problems	✅ Calculator allowed
Paper 3 (HL only)	Extended-response investigative problems	✅ Calculator allowed

Each paper includes a mix of short and long questions, all requiring detailed working out — IB math isn’t about just the final answer.

Internal Assessment (IA) – 20%

This is your chance to explore math on your terms.

• A 6–12 page math exploration of a topic of your choice

• Can be theoretical or practical

• You’re graded on presentation, math use, reasoning, and reflection

📌 Example IA Topics:

• "Is there a correlation between air quality and COVID cases?"

• "Mathematical modeling of a viral TikTok trend"

• "Predicting a footballer’s transfer value using regression"

Yes, it can be creative — as long as it’s mathematical!

SL vs HL: How Hard Is It Really?

Level	SL	HL
Instruction hours	~150	~240
Depth of content	Moderate	Advanced — more abstract or complex
Calculus	Introductory	Multi-topic, including integration and applications
University impact	General entry	Required for STEM/quant-heavy fields

Many universities require HL Math AA for engineering, physics, or data science. Math AI HL is accepted for fields like economics, architecture, biology, or psychology.

Global Recognition

• UK: Top universities (Oxbridge, Imperial, LSE) often require Math AA HL for math-heavy degrees

• US: Both AA and AI are respected; HL recommended for STEM majors

• Canada & EU: Flexibility depends on the program — always check requirements

💡 Pro tip: If you’re not sure yet what you’ll study in college, Math AA SL offers a good balance of rigor and flexibility.

All About IB Mathematics: Which IB Math Should I Take?

Ask yourself:

• Do I enjoy algebra and mathematical theory? → Go for AA

• Do I like applying math to real-life problems and using technology? → Go for AI

• Do I want to pursue STEM at a top university? → Consider HL

The good news? Both AA and AI are challenging, rewarding, and internationally respected. Whichever you pick, IB Math will push you to become more than just a problem-solver — it’ll shape you into a mathematical thinker.