IB Math Analysis & Approaches Exam Tips

About IB DP Mathematics Analysis & Approaches (AA)

Choosing Higher vs Standard Level

• IBDP Math Analysis & Approaches Higher Level (HL) is required as a university requirement for students intending to go for Math-intensive degrees such as Pure Mathematics, Physics, or Engineering.

IBDP Math Analysis & Approaches (AA) vs Old IBDP Math Syllabus

The syllabus of IBDP Math AA which had its first examinations on May 2021 is similar with the old IBDP Math, but were decreased from 6 topics to 5 topics by eliminating Vectors completely in SL, and in HL now, only as subtopic. The new additions are outlined below for IBDP Math AA HL and SL:

Insights and highlights: Nov 2021 Math IB DP AA HL

The November 2021 paper is indeed a step up from the previous papers in N20 and M20. In total, there are 90 questions and sub-questions to solve within 5 hours. Questions involving the new syllabus additions appeared in 24 of these questions and sub-questions. We'll highlight below the questions (paper by paper) that are worth reviewing as they are unusual question types worth taking note of.

Paper 1

120 minutes, no technology allowed, 9 short questions and 3 extended questions (20% grade weight)

Paper 2

120 minutes, technology required, 8 short questions, 3 extended questions, grade weight 30%

Paper 3

60 minutes, technology required, 2 extended response problem-solving questions, grade weight 30%

Tips to improve your exam performance

Repeated Practice & Memorization

Memorize all the math formulas in the Math AA Exam Formula booklet. Write them down, again and again. If you understood the method and concept you will easily memorize the formula.

Study the specimen papers. Use HL past papers from 2014 onwards and the new May '21 and Nov '21 exam papers. For paper 3, look into also practicing IB MYP paper 3.

Be Aware of How You Will Be Marked by Examiners

Important annotations are:

• M1 — Method Mark
• A1 — Achievement Mark
• R1 — Reasoning Mark
• AG — "As Given": appears in the answer, so no mark will be given
• A mark shown in brackets, e.g., (M1), means the mark can be given even if the method has not been shown but is implied by subsequent student working

When Studying for Your Exams, Pay Special Attention to Specific Topics

• Binominal theorem with fractional exponents

Go Through Your Exam Methodically

During the exam, I propose that you do Algebra questions first, followed by Geometry, Functions and Calculus.

Be Careful and Mindful of the Command Terms

Read all questions carefully, paying attention to command terms.

Refer to IBO's IBDP Mathematics Analysis Approaches subject guide HERE and go to pages 89-90 for the list of command terms commonly used in exams.

Concise, Clear, and Correct

Keep your answers as short and clear as possible. Double-check all numerical values and units. All numerical answers should be given in three significant figures.

Note: Visit the official IBO page for the most updated information on the requirements for this subject.

Check out our full list of Exam Tips & Subject Guides here.