IB Math AI HL

Through external written papers and an internally assessed mathematical exploration. The papers mix short-answer and extended-response questions, and the exploration is a piece of personal mathematical writing you develop with teacher supervision. The IB publishes the current paper structure, durations and calculator rules, so consult its site for your session's details.

They are different rather than ranked. AI HL leans on modelling, statistics and interpreting contexts, with heavy calculator use; AA HL leans on proof, algebra and abstraction. Students strong in careful reading and real-world reasoning often find AI HL more natural, while students who prefer symbolic manipulation may find AA HL easier.

No. At least one paper is designed to be taken without a calculator, and the others require a graphic display calculator. The exact rules, permitted models and paper arrangements are set by the IB and can change, so confirm the current requirements on the IB site before exam day and practise both modes.

Paper durations, total marks and weightings are set each session by the IB and are not fixed on this page. Check the current subject guide and assessment schedule on the IB website for the figures that apply to you. Your school's mathematics department will also have the current details.

Grade boundaries are set after each session and published by the IB; they vary with paper difficulty. There is no fixed pass mark to memorise. Aim to secure the straightforward marks across all topics first, then build accuracy on extended-response questions, and check the published boundaries once results are released.

Follow your school's sequence, but reinforce functions and algebra early because they underpin calculus and statistics. Build calculator fluency alongside each topic rather than at the end. Leave deliberate time for statistics and calculus, which carry large weight, and start the exploration before the final year so it does not collide with revision.

Common causes: not reading the context carefully, rounding too early, giving an answer without units or interpretation, and misusing the calculator - wrong mode, wrong window or unverified solutions. In the exploration, weak marks usually come from a vague research question or mathematics that is presented without genuine analysis.

IB retake arrangements, session availability and any fees are governed by the IB and your school. They change over time, so ask your coordinator and check the IB site for the current policy rather than relying on older information. Retaking usually means re-entering for the external papers in a later session.

A narrow, genuinely interesting question you can actually answer with mathematics at your level, a clear rationale, correct and well-explained techniques, and critical reflection on limitations. Avoid a broad topic survey. Show personal engagement and check your calculations. Your teacher must be able to verify authenticity, so keep notes and drafts.

Fees are set by the IB and vary by region, school and session, and are usually handled through your school rather than paid directly. This page does not quote a figure because the amount changes. Ask your IB coordinator or check the IB website for the current fee schedule.