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25-07-2024

What level of Maths should you choose in the IB? 

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In the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), although Maths is a compulsory subject, students are given four alternatives to choose from -

  1. IB Mathematics- Analysis and Approaches ( AA) SL
  2. IB Mathematics – Analysis and Approaches ( AA) HL
  3. IB Mathematics- Applications and Interpretation ( AI) SL
  4. Mathematics – Applications and Interpretation ( AI) HL

Higher Level (HL) subjects are more rigorous and cover more syllabi than the Standard Level (SL) subjects. So, depending on the student’s mathematical aptitude, interest and college programme requirements, they can choose the intensity and the options to study.

IB Math Course

Focus

Suitable for

Higher Level

Advanced topics, rigorous challenge.

For aspirants of STEM careers or maths-intensive fields.

Standard Level

Standard approach to curriculum, theory, and application.

Learning basic mathematics to be familiarised with mathematical concepts.

Syllabus for IBDP Mathematics options

In AI and AA, the key study areas are Numbers & Algebra, Functions, Geometry & trigonometry, Statistics & probability, and Calculus.

  1. IB Maths AA HL - it is the highest difficulty level among the four alternatives and engineering or other mathematical college programme aspirants choose it.
  2. IB Maths AI HL is more application-based and emphasises an analytical approach to learning. It is ideal for students planning to study medicine or business programmes. Most universities give preference to AI HL over AI SL.
  3. IB Maths AA SL - this is an easier level compared to AA HL although it deals with heavy mathematical concepts.
  4. IB Maths AI SL - it is the easiest alternative of the four and focuses completely on application-based mathematics. It is a good alternative for students pursuing a college programme where Mathematics isn’t a prerequisite.

IB Math AA and IB Math AI

IB Math AA is more abstract in its focus on mathematical theory, focusing on algebraic skills, advanced calculus, functions, and trigonometry. IB Maths AI is more practical, focusing on applying mathematics and statistics. It covers topics such as modelling and the use of technology to solve real-world problems.

IB Maths AA is ideal for students who have a high aptitude for Mathematics and enjoy the challenges of solving complex mathematical problems. It requires a high level of theoretical understanding and analytical thinking. Aspirants in the fields of engineering, Economics, Data mining and analysis or Physical Sciences must choose this option. IB Maths AI is suited for students whose inclinations are towards learning maths as a tool in subjects or fields that are their area of interest. Here, students will learn skills to analyse and interpret data, often relying on technology and software tools. Aspirants of business studies, finance and accounting, medicine, and social sciences would benefit from this alternative.

Criteria that you must apply when choosing IB Math subject

Your aptitude and interest

To do well in Mathematics being good at arithmetics is inadequate. HL mathematics, especially Math AA delves into complex theories and abstractions. Any subject is interesting if it challenges you to think, but if you don’t find it interesting or find yourself unable to handle it, then the subject won’t be fun or interesting.

Your field of study after IBDP

There are different kinds of Math-intensive career paths. For Finance, data management, and Accounts fields, you require application-intensive mathematics which is offered in the AI alternative. For fields such as architecture, engineering, statistics or pure mathematics and sciences, mathematics is probing and theoretical. Thus, AA is a better alternative.

Course content and difficulty

HL courses cover more syllabus and the curriculum is more intensive than SL Maths. Whether you choose Math AA or AI, in both cases the HL is more rigorous than the SL option. So, research what topics will be studied, how many hours you will be required to allot to the subject and what difficulty level you are prepared to handle before making your choice.

Syllabus for IBDP Mathematics options

In AI and AA, the key study areas are Numbers & Algebra, Functions, Geometry & trigonometry, Statistics & probability, and Calculus.

  1. IB Maths AA HL - it is the highest difficulty level among the four alternatives and engineering or other mathematical college programme aspirants choose it.
  2. IB Maths AI HL is more application-based and emphasises an analytical approach to learning. It is ideal for students planning to study medicine or business programmes. Most universities give preference to AI HL over AI SL.
  3. IB Maths AA SL - this is an easier level compared to AA HL although it deals with heavy mathematical concepts.
  4. IB Maths AI SL - it is the easiest alternative of the four and focuses completely on application-based mathematics. It is a good alternative for students pursuing a college programme where Mathematics isn’t a prerequisite.

IB Math AA and IB Math AI

IB Math AA is more abstract in its focus on mathematical theory, focusing on algebraic skills, advanced calculus, functions, and trigonometry. IB Maths AI is more practical, focusing on applying mathematics and statistics. It covers topics such as modelling and the use of technology to solve real-world problems.

IB Maths AA is ideal for students who have a high aptitude for Mathematics and enjoy the challenges of solving complex mathematical problems. It requires a high level of theoretical understanding and analytical thinking. Aspirants in the fields of engineering, Economics, Data mining and analysis or Physical Sciences must choose this option. IB Maths AI is suited for students whose inclinations are towards learning maths as a tool in subjects or fields that are their area of interest. Here, students will learn skills to analyse and interpret data, often relying on technology and software tools. Aspirants of business studies, finance and accounting, medicine, and social sciences would benefit from this alternative.

Criteria that you must apply when choosing IB Math subject

Your aptitude and interest

To do well in Mathematics being good at arithmetics is inadequate. HL mathematics, especially Math AA delves into complex theories and abstractions. Any subject is interesting if it challenges you to think, but if it overwhelms or disinterests you, it would be tough to manage.

Your field of study after IBDP

There are different kinds of Math-intensive career paths. For Finance, data management, and Accounts fields, you require application-intensive mathematics offered in the AI alternative. For fields such as architecture, engineering, statistics or pure mathematics and sciences, mathematics is probing and theoretical. Thus, AA is a better alternative.

Course content and difficulty

HL courses cover more syllabus and the curriculum is more intensive than SL Maths. Whether you choose Math AA or AI, in both cases the HL is more rigorous than the SL option. So, research what topics to study, required hours to allot to the subject and difficulty level to prepare for.

Workload from other subjects

In IBDP, mathematics is one of the six subjects that you choose. Besides this, you have to complete the DP Core (which includes Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity and Service). You have to choose at least three subjects at HL and remaining at SL. All the elements of IBDP have their course requirements and curriculum that will also be intense.

Prerequisite of the university programme that you will apply to

IBDP is a pre-university course where you prepare for college education through -

  • Learning future-ready skills
  • Choose subjects that will lay the foundation for college programmes
  • Strengthen your college application with various experiences

Hence, it is important to choose subjects that are relevant to your college education.

Your assessments, results and chance of acceptance depend on your IBDP subject choices. IB gives students the liberty to choose the intensity and style of learning. Gauge your interests and goals and choose your Maths subject wisely.

Workload from other subjects

In IBDP, mathematics is one of the six subjects that you choose. Besides this, you have to complete the DP Core (which includes Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity and Service). You have to choose at least three subjects at HL and remaining at SL. All the elements of IBDP have their course requirements and curriculum that will also be intense.

Prerequisite of the university programme that you will apply to

IBDP is a pre-university course where you prepare for college education through -

  • Learning future-ready skills
  • Choose subjects that will lay the foundation for college programmes
  • Strengthen your college application with various experiences

Hence, it is important to choose subjects that are relevant to your college education.

Your assessments, results and chances of getting accepted into the university programme of your choosing depend on your IBDP subject choices. IB gives students the liberty to choose the intensity and style of learning. Gauge your interests and goals and choose your Maths subject wisely.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

IB Math AA focuses on theoretical aspects and is ideal for students aiming for STEM fields or rigorous mathematical studies. IB Math AI emphasizes practical applications, suited for students interested in fields like business, social sciences, or medicine.

Choose IB Math HL for a deeper and more challenging exploration of mathematical concepts, suitable for aspiring mathematicians or those pursuing STEM careers. IB Math SL offers a standard approach, balancing breadth and depth, suitable for a broader range of interests and career paths.

Consider your academic strengths, future career goals, the level of mathematical rigor you're comfortable with, university prerequisites, and the balance with other IB subjects to make an informed decision.

Switching between IB Math AA and AI courses may be possible depending on school policies and your academic performance. Consult with your IB coordinator or academic advisor for guidance on transitioning between courses.

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