IB Math AA SL study guide
IB Math AA SL · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
IB Math AA SL - Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches Standard Level - is one of the two Standard Level mathematics courses in the IB Diploma Programme, and the one built around algebra, functions and calculus rather than a statistics-heavy treatment. It suits students who are comfortable manipulating expressions, sketching curves and reasoning symbolically, and who are heading towards economics, chemistry, engineering-adjacent or other numerate degrees. It is taught over the two-year programme at your school and assessed through two externally marked papers plus an internally marked mathematical exploration. Paper 1 is the no-calculator paper, where clean technique and exact values matter; Paper 2 assumes a graphic display calculator and rewards interpretation, modelling and clear communication of results. The IB Math AA SL study guide has 5 sections and about 1,564 words.
01Number and algebra
This domain tests structure and manipulation: arithmetic and geometric sequences and series, growth and decay, logarithms, and the binomial expansion. The exam rewards choosing the right formula, respecting domains, and interpreting the result in context rather than only computing.
352 words, about 2 min02Functions
Functions is about relationships between variables: domain and range, composition, inverses, transformations, and standard families such as quadratics, exponentials and rational functions. The exam often asks you to justify a domain restriction or read a graph.
343 words, about 2 min03Geometry and trigonometry
This domain tests spatial and trigonometric reasoning: triangle rules, the unit circle, trigonometric identities and equations, vectors, and basic 3D measurement. The exam expects exact values where possible and clear selection of a rule.
318 words, about 2 min04Statistics and probability
This domain tests describing data, modelling relationships, and quantifying uncertainty. Expect summary statistics, correlation and regression, probability rules, discrete random variables, and the binomial and normal distributions.
257 words, about 1 min05Calculus
Calculus tests change and accumulation: limits, derivatives, tangents and normals, stationary points, optimisation, and definite integrals as area. The exam expects correct notation and interpretation of signs.
294 words, about 1 min