IB Math

What You Should Know About IB Math

4 min read
The Math Examiner

The International Baccalaureate (IB) offers a two-year course called Mathematics Higher Level (HL), which is a part of Group 5 (Mathematics and Computer Science) for the IB Diploma Programme.

Mathematical Studies SL, Mathematics SL, and Further Mathematics SL are the Standard Level (SL) mathematics courses. A portion of the Mathematics HL curriculum makes up the Mathematics SL curriculum.

All four of the Mathematics HL optional courses, along with an additional Geometry topic, make up the Further Mathematics SL curriculum.

The areas of algebra, functions and equations, circular functions and trigonometry, matrices, vectors, statistics and probability, and calculus must be studied in-depth by students in Mathematics HL.

There are also four more elective topics of study (referred to as “Options”), one of which must be chosen by the school. Here is a list of these four options.

  • further probability and statistics.
  • groups, relations, and sets.
  • differential equations and series.
  • discrete maths.

There are six topic categories in the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. There are four different math courses in group five, which is math.

A student must complete at least one of the following three math courses in order to receive an IB diploma: Mathematical Studies Standard Level, Mathematics Standard Level, or Mathematics Higher Level. The fourth subject, Further Mathematics Higher Level, is optional.

Students’ confidence and enthusiasm for arithmetic are encouraged by Mathematical Studies Standard Level. This course is intended for students who do not anticipate math to be a significant component of their university study.

Along with a few other topics, its curriculum covers algebra and numbers, geometry and trigonometry, statistics, and financial mathematics.

On the other hand, Mathematics Standard Level is primarily meant for students who are getting ready for future studies in chemistry, economics, and business. Students will learn algebra, trigonometry, and statistics, much like in Mathematical Studies Standard Level.

The “Core curriculum” for Mathematics Standard and Higher Level consists of these and a few additional subject areas, with the Standard Level curriculum being a subset of the Higher Level curriculum.

Students who already have a strong foundation in arithmetic and who have demonstrated a variety of analytical and technical talents should consider taking Mathematics Higher Level.

The majority of these students, like those in Mathematics Standard Level, are getting ready to attend universities where they will study physics, engineering, or technology. There must be a minimum of 190 hours of instruction for Mathematics Higher Level.

Additionally, students must spend a minimum of 40 additional instructional hours studying at least one optional subject (also known as a “option”).

The Further Mathematics Higher Level course (Standard Level prior to 2014) is intended for students who are proficient in math, have an interest in the subject, and, more specifically, for those who plan to pursue the subject further in college.

This course’s participants frequently also enroll in Mathematics Higher Level. In fact, this subject requires knowledge of the entirety of the Mathematics Higher Level Core Curriculum.

You don’t have to pursue your chosen course entirely on your own, regardless of what it may be.

Do you possess IB Math certification? How did it feel? Post your comments below with your study advice. Please get in touch with us.

The Difference Between AI And AA In IB Math

IB examines its courses and course content every seven years and makes adjustments to keep the subject current.

Finding the correct math course for you is made easier by the division of IB Math into Pure Math (Analysis & Approaches) and Applied Math (Applications & Interpretations), two of the most challenging courses.

Approaches & Analysis (AA) Math is theory-driven. Giving students the skills to analyze the abstract mathematical concepts that form the basis of all calculations is the goal.

Applications & Insights (AI) Statistics and distribution are significant topics in the course because math is about applying mathematical ideas in the actual world.

In the first 60 hours of the course, a few topics that are common to AA and AI are covered.

A student taking Math AA will receive instruction that is theory-focused, while a student taking Math AI will receive instruction that is implementation-focused.

There are two levels within AI and AA from which a student may select. The Higher Level (HL) calls for 240 hours of study, whereas the Standard Level (SL) calls for 150.

The SL for both modules has two written exams, whereas the HL has three written papers.

Since calculators are required for AI exams, you should be familiar with using one and avoid performing calculations manually because it will take too long. One test in the AA program does not allow the use of calculators.

You may be a good fit for HL if Math is one of your strong subjects. The best choice for you will be SL if you don’t feel comfortable with higher-level math.

Consider selecting HL if you are unsure which module to select and your institution allows a module swap. Dropping down to SL if HL is too much won’t be a problem because the early phases of both HL and SL are identical.


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