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Key Facts: IB Math AA SL Exam

80 marks

Per paper (Paper 1 and Paper 2)

IB Mathematics AA guide

20%

Internal Assessment weighting

IB Mathematics AA guide

May & Nov

Exam sessions

IB Diploma timetable

100

Free practice questions here

OpenExamPrep

IB Math AA SL is assessed via Paper 1 (no calculator, 80 marks, 90 minutes), Paper 2 (GDC required, 80 marks, 90 minutes) and a 20% Internal Assessment exploration. Coverage spans Number and Algebra, Functions, Geometry and Trigonometry, Statistics and Probability, and Calculus on the current syllabus first examined in 2021.

Sample IB Math AA SL Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the IB Math AA SL exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Find the 20th term of the arithmetic sequence 4, 7, 10, 13, ...
A.61
B.58
C.64
D.60
Explanation: First term a = 4, common difference d = 3. The nth term is u_n = a + (n-1)d, so u_20 = 4 + 19 x 3 = 4 + 57 = 61.
2Find the sum of the first 15 terms of the arithmetic series 2 + 5 + 8 + 11 + ...
A.345
B.330
C.315
D.360
Explanation: Use S_n = (n/2)[2a + (n-1)d] with a = 2, d = 3, n = 15: S_15 = (15/2)[4 + 14 x 3] = 7.5 x 46 = 345.
3A geometric sequence has first term 3 and common ratio 2. Find the 8th term.
A.384
B.256
C.768
D.192
Explanation: The nth term of a geometric sequence is u_n = a r^(n-1). u_8 = 3 x 2^7 = 3 x 128 = 384.
4Find the sum to infinity of the geometric series 8 + 4 + 2 + 1 + ...
A.16
B.12
C.20
D.32
Explanation: Common ratio r = 1/2, |r| < 1, so S_inf = a/(1 - r) = 8/(1 - 1/2) = 8 / (1/2) = 16.
5Simplify log_2(8) + log_2(4).
A.5
B.12
C.6
D.32
Explanation: log_2(8) = 3 and log_2(4) = 2. So log_2(8) + log_2(4) = 3 + 2 = 5. Equivalently, log_2(8 x 4) = log_2(32) = 5.
6Solve for x: 3^(2x+1) = 27.
A.1
B.2
C.3
D.1/2
Explanation: Write 27 = 3^3, so 3^(2x+1) = 3^3 gives 2x + 1 = 3, hence 2x = 2 and x = 1.
7Express log_5(7) in terms of natural logarithms using the change of base formula.
A.ln(7)/ln(5)
B.ln(5)/ln(7)
C.ln(7) x ln(5)
D.ln(7) - ln(5)
Explanation: Change of base: log_a(b) = ln(b) / ln(a). So log_5(7) = ln(7) / ln(5).
8Solve ln(x) + ln(x - 3) = ln(10) for x > 3.
A.5
B.2
C.10/3
D.13
Explanation: Combine logs: ln(x(x - 3)) = ln(10), so x^2 - 3x = 10, i.e. x^2 - 3x - 10 = 0, (x - 5)(x + 2) = 0. Since x > 3, x = 5.
9Solve 2 e^x = 10. Give x in exact form.
A.ln(5)
B.ln(10) - ln(2)
C.e^5
D.5 ln(e)
Explanation: Divide by 2: e^x = 5. Take natural log: x = ln(5). Note ln(10) - ln(2) = ln(5), so option 1 is equal but the requested simplest exact form is ln(5).
10Find the coefficient of x^3 in the expansion of (1 + x)^6.
A.20
B.15
C.10
D.6
Explanation: Using the binomial theorem, the coefficient of x^k in (1 + x)^n is C(n, k). C(6, 3) = 6!/(3! 3!) = 20.

About the IB Math AA SL Exam

IB Diploma Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches Standard Level is one of four IB Diploma mathematics courses, designed for students who enjoy developing mathematical arguments, problem solving and exploring real and abstract applications. Assessment is by two written papers and an internal assessment exploration.

Exam sponsor: International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Questions

100 questions

Time Limit

Paper 1: 90 min, Paper 2: 90 min, plus Internal Assessment

Passing Score

Grade 4 commonly used as a pass; grades 1-7 awarded (7 highest)

Exam / Certification Fees

School-set entry fee (varies by school and country)

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

~15%

Number and Algebra

Arithmetic and geometric sequences and series, exponents and logarithms, binomial theorem for positive integer n, scientific notation, proof by counterexample

~25%

Functions

Linear, quadratic (completing the square, discriminant), polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions; graph transformations, composite and inverse functions, modulus equations

~20%

Geometry and Trigonometry

Pythagoras, sine and cosine rules, area of a triangle, radians, arc length and sector area, trig identities and double-angle formulae, solving trig equations, 3D geometry, 2D and 3D vectors and lines

~20%

Statistics and Probability

Sampling methods, descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and least-squares regression, probability rules, conditional probability, discrete and binomial distributions, normal distribution and standardisation

~20%

Calculus

Limits, differentiation rules including chain, product and quotient; tangents and normals; stationary points and second derivative test; integration of standard functions; area under and between curves; kinematics with calculus

Preparing for the IB Math AA SL Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Grade 4 commonly used as a pass; grades 1-7 awarded (7 highest)
  • Exam length: 100 questions
  • Time limit: Paper 1: 90 min, Paper 2: 90 min, plus Internal Assessment
  • Exam / certification fees: School-set entry fee (varies by school and country) Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

IB Math AA SL: Suggested Study Strategy

1Practise Paper 1 questions without a calculator — exact-value manipulation (surds, radians, logs) is examined heavily
2Master your GDC menus for Paper 2: solve, intersect, numerical integration, normal CDF and inverse normal, binomial PDF
3Write out method steps clearly — IB markschemes award method marks even when the final answer is wrong
4Memorise the formula booklet structure; some formulae (e.g. derivatives of sin and cos) are NOT given and must be recalled

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between IB Math AA SL and AI SL?

Analysis and Approaches (AA) emphasises analytical techniques, algebraic manipulation and traditional pure mathematics, while Applications and Interpretation (AI) emphasises modelling, real-world data analysis and GDC use. AA SL suits students continuing to STEM degrees that require calculus.

How is IB Math AA SL assessed?

Two external papers (Paper 1 no calculator and Paper 2 with GDC, each 80 marks and 90 minutes, each worth 40% of the final grade) plus an Internal Assessment mathematical exploration worth 20%.

Which calculator is allowed on Paper 2?

Paper 2 requires an approved graphic display calculator (GDC). Common approved models include the TI-84 Plus CE, TI-Nspire CX (non-CAS), Casio fx-CG50 and Casio fx-9750GIII. CAS calculators are not allowed.

When are IB Math AA SL exams sat?

IB Diploma exams are held in May (Northern Hemisphere schools) and November (Southern Hemisphere schools). Results are released in early July or early January respectively.