Mathematics Analysis and Approaches Past Papers 2026
Browse all available Mathematics Analysis and Approaches sessions from 2021-2026. This archive currently includes 361 official papers and 35 donated papers.
17
Sessions
396
Papers
361
Official
2021-2026
Years
May 2026
Latest Session
17
Sessions
2021–2026
156
Question Papers
53
Markschemes
34% coverage
Components: 3 papers, up to 9 variants each.
May 2026
Latest Session
17
Sessions
2021–2026
110
Question Papers
46
Markschemes
42% coverage
Components: 2 papers, up to 8 variants each.
Yearly Exam Sessions
About IB Mathematics Analysis and Approaches
IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (AA) is designed for students who enjoy developing mathematical arguments, problem-solving, and exploring real and abstract applications with a strong emphasis on calculus and algebra. Topics include number and algebra, functions, geometry and trigonometry, statistics and probability, and calculus. AA is available at SL and HL.
IB Maths AA HL is widely regarded as one of the hardest IB subjects, with an average grade significantly lower than most other subjects. Working through past papers — particularly Paper 2 and Paper 3 (HL only) — is essential. Our archive includes IB Maths AA question papers and mark schemes from sessions since the new curriculum was introduced in 2021.
Exam Format
Paper 1 (SL: 1 hr 30 min / HL: 2 hr)
No calculator permitted. Short-answer and some extended-response questions.
Paper 2 (SL: 1 hr 30 min / HL: 2 hr)
Graphic display calculator (GDC) required. Short-answer and extended-response questions.
Paper 3 (HL only: 1 hr)
Two extended-response problem-solving questions exploring mathematical concepts in depth. GDC required.
SL vs HL
AA SL covers the core syllabus. AA HL extends every topic significantly — especially calculus (integration by parts, differential equations), further proof, and complex numbers. HL Paper 3 is unique to AA HL and tests open-ended problem-solving, unlike any other IB paper.
Study Tips for IB Mathematics Analysis and Approaches
- ✓Practise Paper 1 without a calculator consistently — many students under-prepare for the non-calc paper.
- ✓Learn to use your GDC efficiently for Paper 2: solving equations, drawing graphs, finding intersections.
- ✓For HL Paper 3, do not panic if the question leads you into unfamiliar territory — that is intentional.
- ✓Focus on calculus (differentiation and integration) — it makes up a large portion of all papers.
- ✓Show full working even when using GDC; method marks exist for setting up problems correctly.
- ✓Know your trigonometric identities and exact values — these appear frequently in Paper 1.
- ✓Work through full past papers under timed conditions from at least 3 exam years.
Questions, answered.
AA focuses on pure mathematics, calculus, and algebraic thinking. AI focuses on applying mathematics to real-world contexts using technology, with more statistics. AA is generally considered more theoretical and harder at HL.
Yes — IB Maths AA HL consistently has one of the lowest average scores globally. The grade boundary for a 7 has been as low as 57% in some sessions. Paper 3 is particularly demanding.
Paper 1 is calculator-free; Papers 2 and 3 require a GDC (graphic display calculator). Texas Instruments TI-84 and Casio fx-CG50 are commonly used.
The current AA syllabus was first examined in May 2021, replacing the old Mathematics SL and Mathematics HL courses.
Papers before 2021 are from the legacy Mathematics SL/HL curriculum, which is different. Our archive includes papers since the current AA syllabus began, as well as legacy papers under the 'mathematics' subject.