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Topics
IB Group 5 — Mathematics
IB Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation 2026
Math AI focuses on real-world mathematical modeling — statistics, financial maths, and technology. SL suits students who need maths without the abstract rigor of AA. AI HL is still highly rigorous, adding matrices, graph theory, Markov chains, and coupled differential equations not found in AA.
HL · 240hSL · 150h
HL & SL
Levels
20%
IA Weight
240h
HL Hours
Past Papers Archive
Browse IB Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation past papers
View the normalized archive for Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation, organized by session and file type.
Syllabus Topics
Official topic breakdown with approximate teaching hours.
| Topic | SL Hours | HL Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Topic 1: Number and Algebra | 16h | 29h |
| SL: arithmetic/geometric sequences, financial maths (loans, annuities), logs, approximation | 16h | 0h |
| HL adds: matrices (operations, determinants, inverses, systems), eigenvalues & eigenvectors, complex numbersHL only | — | 13h |
| Topic 2: Functions | 31h | 42h |
| SL/HL: linear, quadratic, exponential, sinusoidal, power, logistic modeling; graph transformations | 31h | 42h |
| Topic 3: Geometry and Trigonometry | 18h | 46h |
| SL: trig applications (sine/cosine rules), 3D mensuration, Voronoi diagrams | 18h | 0h |
| HL adds: radians, unit circle, graph theory (Euler/Hamilton paths, Kruskal's/Prim's algorithms, Chinese Postman, TSP)HL only | — | 28h |
| Topic 4: Statistics and Probability | 36h | 52h |
| SL: descriptive stats, correlation (Pearson's/Spearman's), regression, binomial, normal, chi-squared, t-test | 36h | 0h |
| HL adds: Poisson distribution, central limit theorem, confidence intervals, Type I/II errors, Markov chainsHL only | — | 16h |
| Topic 5: Calculus | 19h | 41h |
| SL: basic differentiation, optimisation, integration (polynomials), trapezoidal rule | 19h | 0h |
| HL adds: trig/exp/log derivatives, chain/product/quotient rules, volumes of revolution, differential equations (Euler's method, slope fields), coupled DEsHL only | — | 22h |
| Total | 150h | 240h |
Assessment Structure
External Assessment
All papers allow a GDC. Paper 1 (short-response, 40% SL / ~33% HL). Paper 2 (extended-response, 40% SL / ~33% HL). Paper 3 (HL only — two in-depth real-world extended modeling questions, ~20%, 60 min). Mathematical Exploration IA (20%).
Internal Assessment — Mathematical Exploration
HL: 20%SL: 20%
A 12–20 page exploration applying mathematics to a real-world or interdisciplinary context. Real datasets (sports, economics, science) work well. Assessed on mathematical communication, content, engagement, reflection, and use of technology.
Exam Tips for IB Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation
1
Technology is a requirement — know your GDC inside out (regression, statistical tests, graphing, numerical differentiation)
2
Topic 4 Statistics is the biggest section by far at SL — master hypothesis testing procedure and chi-squared
3
AI HL is not easy: matrices, graph theory, and Markov chains require dedicated study weeks
4
Paper 3 (HL) involves unfamiliar real-world models — practise breaking down an unknown scenario systematically
5
For IA, a real-world dataset you collected or found online gives you personal engagement marks naturally
Grade Boundaries
View all subjects →| Session | Level | Grade 7 | Grade 6 | Grade 5 | Grade 4 | Grade 3 | Grade 2 | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2024 | HL | 74 | 63 | 51 | 37 | 26 | 14 | 100 |
| May 2024 | SL | 77 | 65 | 51 | 38 | 25 | 13 | 100 |
Grade boundaries shown are percentages. Actual boundaries vary by session and are set after grading. Use the score calculator →
Predict your IB Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation grade
Enter your component marks and see your predicted final grade based on grade boundaries.
Related IB Subjects
Frequently Asked Questions
What topics are in IB Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation?
IB Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation covers Topic 1: Number and Algebra, SL: arithmetic/geometric sequences, financial maths (loans, annuities), logs, approximation, HL adds: matrices (operations, determinants, inverses, systems), eigenvalues & eigenvectors, complex numbers, Topic 2: Functions, SL/HL: linear, quadratic, exponential, sinusoidal, power, logistic modeling; graph transformations, Topic 3: Geometry and Trigonometry, SL: trig applications (sine/cosine rules), 3D mensuration, Voronoi diagrams, HL adds: radians, unit circle, graph theory (Euler/Hamilton paths, Kruskal's/Prim's algorithms, Chinese Postman, TSP), Topic 4: Statistics and Probability, SL: descriptive stats, correlation (Pearson's/Spearman's), regression, binomial, normal, chi-squared, t-test, HL adds: Poisson distribution, central limit theorem, confidence intervals, Type I/II errors, Markov chains, Topic 5: Calculus, SL: basic differentiation, optimisation, integration (polynomials), trapezoidal rule, HL adds: trig/exp/log derivatives, chain/product/quotient rules, volumes of revolution, differential equations (Euler's method, slope fields), coupled DEs. HL students study additional depth and some HL-only extensions. Total teaching hours: HL 240, SL 150.
How is IB Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation assessed?
All papers allow a GDC. Paper 1 (short-response, 40% SL / ~33% HL). Paper 2 (extended-response, 40% SL / ~33% HL). Paper 3 (HL only — two in-depth real-world extended modeling questions, ~20%, 60 min). Mathematical Exploration IA (20%). The Internal Assessment (Mathematical Exploration) counts for 20% of the final grade at SL and 20% at HL.
What is the IB Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation IA?
The IB Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation IA is the Mathematical Exploration. A 12–20 page exploration applying mathematics to a real-world or interdisciplinary context. Real datasets (sports, economics, science) work well. Assessed on mathematical communication, content, engagement, reflection, and use of technology. It accounts for 20% of the final grade at SL and 20% at HL.
Should I take IB Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation HL or SL?
Take HL if Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation is relevant to your university course (Business, social sciences, psychology, geography, and economics applications.), or if you are genuinely strong in the subject. HL adds 90 extra hours of content and deeper examination requirements. SL is suitable if you need the subject for the diploma but it is not your primary focus.