IB Math AI HL study guide
IB Math AI HL · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
IB Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation Higher Level is the more practically oriented of the two IB mathematics courses at HL. It suits students who enjoy modelling real situations - interpreting data, fitting functions, reasoning about probability - and who want statistics and calculus applied to context rather than proof-driven abstraction. The course spans five broad areas: number and algebra, functions, geometry and trigonometry, statistics and probability, and calculus, with statistics and calculus carrying substantial weight. HL students also meet additional content such as matrices, complex numbers, graph theory and hypothesis testing, and complete an internally assessed mathematical exploration. The IB Math AI HL study guide has 5 sections and about 1,257 words.
01Number and Algebra
Number and algebra in AI HL rewards interpretation as much as manipulation: standard form and error, arithmetic and geometric sequences, financial mathematics, and exponential/logarithmic models. Paper 1 expects exact reasoning without a calculator; Paper 2 expects efficient GDC use, including the finance solver.
292 words, about 1 min02Functions
Functions in AI HL examines modelling and interpretation: domain and range, composite and inverse functions, transformations, and families including quadratic, exponential, logarithmic, rational and sinusoidal. Paper 1 tests algebraic justification; Paper 2 tests graphing-window choices and intersections found by GDC.
261 words, about 1 min03Geometry and Trigonometry
Geometry and trigonometry in AI HL combines triangle trigonometry, circles and sectors, 3D geometry, and vectors. The exam tests selection of the correct rule, clear diagram labelling, and vector reasoning in two or three dimensions.
237 words, about 1 min04Statistics and Probability
Statistics and probability in AI HL tests descriptive statistics, correlation and regression, probability rules, conditional probability, discrete and continuous distributions, and hypothesis testing. The exam emphasises interpretation in context and correct use of GDC distribution and test menus.
216 words, about 1 min05Calculus
Calculus in AI HL covers limits, differentiation rules, tangents and normals, stationary points and optimisation, kinematics, and integration for areas. The exam tests correct setup from context as well as routine differentiation and definite integration, often with GDC support on Paper 2.
251 words, about 1 min