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Q: What does International Baccalaureate (IB) Math Syllabus: 2025/26 Parent & Student Guide cover? A: Understand the AA vs AI pathways, assessment formats, and planning milestones for the 2025/26 IB Mathematics cohorts.
TL;DR IB Maths has two routes-Analysis and Approaches (AA) for proof-heavy algebra/calculus and Applications and Interpretation (AI) for modelling/statistics with technology. Both keep a 20% Internal Assessment; exam formats differ by route/level (SL vs HL). Route choice should align with intended pathways: proof- and calculus-heavy degrees tend to expect AA, while data-centric fields often accept AI (check the target university’s matrix).
Status: IB Mathematics AA/AI subject briefs (first assessment 2021) checked 2025-11-30 - Paper weights and 20% IA remain unchanged; no newer briefs published for 2026.
If you are turning these syllabus decisions into EE or IA topics, pair this guide with our IB Extended Essay STEM playbook for research-scoping templates and methodology tips.
HL extends to designing data collection, non-linear regression, central limit theorem, confidence intervals, Type I/II error analysis, and transition-matrix/Markov-chain modelling.
Both courses expect confident use of technology: GDCs are mandatory in calculator papers, and the guides push spreadsheets/dynamic graphing software throughout the syllabus (tech fluency is part of the assessment philosophy).
3 | Assessment in detail
3.1 External papers
Paper
Time
Calculator?
Skills hit
P1 AA (SL/HL)
90/120 min
No
Pure algebra & calculus drill
P2 AA (SL/HL)
90/120 min
Yes
Longer modelling Qs ⇒ partial-fractions, DEs
P1 AI (SL/HL)
90/120 min
Yes
Data interpretation, tech commands
P2 AI (SL/HL)
90/120 min
Yes
Extended statistical modelling
P3 HL (both)
60 min
Yes
Investigation / proof write-ups
Calculator rule: Papers with technology columns marked “Yes” require an IB-approved GDC throughout (Assessment procedures). Paper 1 stays non-calculator for AA SL/HL to emphasise analytic methods.
Tables condensed from subject briefs above.
3.2 Internal Assessment (IA)
Individually chosen exploration; IB does not mandate a word/page limit, but concise, well-structured work scores better.
Marked on five criteria - Presentation, Mathematical communication, Personal engagement, Reflection, Use of mathematics.
Allocate about 10-15 guided hours across briefing, draft check-ins, and authenticity checks.
Top-band notes: Criterion C expects personal engagement that “drives the exploration forward”, while Criterion E (HL) calls for mathematics that is “precise” and shows “sophistication and rigour” (guide descriptors).
Weight twenty percent across all four courses.
4 | Which route for which goal?
Future pathway
Recommended course
Why
Engineering, physics, pure math
AA HL
Requires rigorous calculus ∫, series ∑, proof.
Economics, computer science*
AA SL / AI HL
Balance of calculus with statistics and algorithmic modelling.
Life science, psychology, business
AI SL / AI HL
Heavy inferential statistics and real-data modelling.
Some CS faculties (for example Cambridge Computer Science) still request AA HL when the course is theory-heavy; always check university matrices.
Who thrives where? AA learners tend to enjoy algebraic manipulation, formal proofs, and pattern-spotting without leaning heavily on tech. AI learners usually light up when modelling real-world datasets and are comfortable testing conjectures with GDCs, spreadsheets, and dynamic tools (course introductions).
5 | Command terms decoded
The IB glossary (AA/AI guides, appendix) pins down exactly what examiners expect:
Notation heads-up: Exam questions follow the IB ISO-based notation list (Σ, μ, σ, etc.). Make sure you can read those symbols even if your CAS defaults differ-there’s no notation sheet in the exam room.
Term
IB definition
Exam tip
Interpret
Use knowledge to recognise trends and draw conclusions from information.
Always connect the maths back to the context (e.g. what a gradient means physically).
Investigate
Make a systematic examination to establish facts and reach new conclusions.
Lay out steps, state findings, and comment on implications.
Justify
Give valid reasons or evidence to support an answer.
Quote theorems/working explicitly, not just the final value.
Show / Show that
Give steps in a derivation; “show that” expects you to reach the stated result without full proof formality.
Start from given expressions, keep algebra line-by-line, and finish with the target statement.
Sketch
Draw a labelled graph that captures the key features.
Mark intercepts/asymptotes; scale can be rough but features must be clear.
Solve
Obtain answers using algebraic, numerical or graphical methods.
State all solutions relevant to the domain (include extraneous checks).
Verify
Provide evidence that validates the result.
Substitute back or reproduce working to confirm equality.
“Hence find ...” still signals you must reuse a prior result; quote it explicitly before continuing.
6 | Core formulae you still must know
IB supplies a booklet, yet speed matters. Burn in:
Binomial coefficient (kn)=k!(n−k)!n!.
Normal PDF f(x)=σ2π1exp(−2σ2(x−μ)2)
Differential rules: dxd(ekx)=kekx
Definite-integral area: ∫abvdt=s.
Drill until recall time < 3 s each.
Formula booklet tip: every centre issues a clean IB Mathematics formula booklet in the exam. Download the latest version from the Programme Resource Centre and rehearse with that layout so nothing feels new on paper day.
ℹ️ Grade statistics: IB publishes annual grade distributions in the Diploma Programme statistical bulletin. Download the latest issue from ibo.org before quoting cohort means in applications or marketing material.
7 | Crafting a high-scoring IA
Pick a narrow, curious question e.g., “Modelling long-jumper trajectory with a quadratic fit”.
Collect primary data (tracker app, spreadsheet import).
Deploy at least HL-level techniques: piece-wise regression, r2, residual analysis.
Reflect - strength, limitations, future work.
Match the maths to your level: IB’s criterion E awards top marks only when the techniques are course-appropriate (HL needs rigour/sophistication; SL demands fully correct syllabus-level work).
Aim to show multiple representations (algebra, graphs, technology output) so criterion B stays at the top band.
7.1 | Modelling frameworks (AA vs AI) for 2026 cohorts
Dataset idea
Description
AA angle
AI angle
Learning analytics log
Daily logins vs assignment completion for a Sec 4 IP class (anonymised)
Optimise logistic model parameters, prove convergence of Newton iteration for best-fit root
Run moving-average smoothing, build exponential smoothing forecast, discuss tech-enabled interpretation
Projectile Tracker export
x,t and y,t data from Tracker video of a physics launch
Derive parametric equations, compare analytical vs regression trajectory, explore angle for max range
Use regression diagnostics to interpret residuals, simulate air resistance via spreadsheet macros
JC finance time-series
Monthly tuition revenue vs marketing spend (synthetic but realistic)
Formulate system of equations, explore AR(2) model justification with characteristic roots
Run regression with correlation matrices, produce dashboard explaining elasticity & prediction intervals
🧰 Action step: Curate a shared Drive “IA modelling lab” and store anonymised datasets there so supervisors can audit ethical use. Encourage students to remix the packs-AA learners justify algebraic structure, AI learners lean on tech-driven inference. Every submission must still cite the dataset pack as a secondary source.
Workflow tips
Kick-off workshop: Spend 60 minutes letting students interrogate each dataset. Have AA groups outline the algebraic backbone while AI groups storyboard the technology they will deploy.
CAS vs manual balance: Require AA explorers to demonstrate at least one hand-worked derivation (e.g., solving for logistic parameters) before verifying with CAS. For AI, annotate every graph/table with the specific CAS/technology command used.
Common reflection prompts: “What assumptions underpinned the model?”, “Where did the technology aid insight-and where could it mislead?”, “How would you collect higher-resolution primary data?”
ATL alignment: The guides lean on inquiry, collaboration, and technology-rich investigation; plan IA checkpoints that explicitly build those approaches to teaching and learning (ATL) skills.
📎 Instructors: Keep a moderation log noting which dataset variant each student picked and the level of mathematical sophistication exhibited. This guards against accidental topic overlap when multiple candidates lean on the shared pack.
Deliverable add-ons
Publish a one-pager IA slog (Summary of Learning & Output Grid) outlining question, data source, representational forms, and integrity declarations. Collect via Google Forms for easy moderation.
Package the three dataset packs + templates as a downloadable bundle (Google Drive/Notion) linked in the CTA so parents/students have instant scaffolding.
Students in Singapore often compare IB Mathematics with the local A-Level H2 Mathematics (SEAB 9758). Here are the key differences to help you decide or understand your child's pathway:
Structure: H2 Maths is a single unified syllabus (pure maths + statistics), while IB splits into two distinct routes (AA and AI) with fundamentally different emphases - algebraic rigour vs data-driven modelling.
Calculator policy: H2 Maths allows a graphing calculator in both papers. IB AA has a non-calculator Paper 1 that demands strong mental algebra, while AI allows calculators throughout.
Internal assessment: IB dedicates 20% to an individual exploration (IA), encouraging independent research. H2 Maths has no coursework component - assessment is entirely exam-based across Papers 1 and 2.
Depth vs breadth: AA HL goes deeper into proof and series (induction, Maclaurin) than H2 Maths, but H2 Maths covers a broader statistics syllabus including hypothesis testing and sampling distributions in a single course.
University recognition: Singapore universities accept both, but some NUS/NTU engineering programmes specify H2 Maths or AA HL. AI SL may not satisfy prerequisites for maths-heavy degrees - always check the faculty matrix.
12 | Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch from AA to AI after starting?
Switching is possible in principle but difficult in practice. AA and AI diverge significantly by the end of Year 1 - AA focuses on pure algebra and proof, while AI builds around technology-driven data modelling. Most schools allow switches only within the first term. Talk to your IB coordinator early if you are considering a change, and be prepared to do catch-up work on missed content.
Which IB Maths is harder - AA or AI?
AA HL is generally considered the most challenging of the four IB Maths courses because it demands rigorous algebraic manipulation, formal proofs, and non-calculator skills. However, AI HL has its own difficulty in statistical depth and technology-intensive modelling. At SL level, both are manageable - choose based on your strengths and university requirements, not perceived difficulty.
Which IB Maths do I need for engineering?
Most engineering programmes (including NUS CDE, NTU EEE, and Cambridge Engineering) expect AA HL or, at minimum, AA SL. Some programmes accept AI HL if supplemented with strong physics scores, but this is less common. Always check the specific university's entry requirements - do not assume AI is accepted for engineering without verifying.
How many hours is IB Maths HL vs SL?
SL courses (both AA and AI) require 150 teaching hours plus approximately 30 hours for the IA. HL courses require 240 teaching hours plus 30 for the IA. In practice, HL students should expect to spend considerably more time on independent practice and past-paper drilling beyond the scheduled teaching hours.
Is IB Maths harder than A-Level H2 Maths?
They test different skills. AA HL is deeper than H2 Maths in proof and series work, but H2 Maths covers a wider statistics and probability syllabus in a single course. AA SL is broadly comparable to H2 Maths in difficulty. AI SL is generally considered less demanding than H2 Maths for students with strong algebraic skills, but more demanding for students who prefer data-driven approaches. Direct comparison is tricky because the assessment styles differ significantly.
What graphing calculator should I use for IB Maths?
The IB approves specific GDC models - the TI-84 Plus CE and CASIO fx-CG50 are the most popular in Singapore. Check the IB-approved calculator list before purchasing, and start learning the key functions (STAT, regression, equation solver) early in Year 1.
How do I choose between AA SL and AI SL?
If you enjoy algebra, equations, and working through problems analytically without technology, AA SL is the better fit. If you prefer interpreting data, using spreadsheets, and applying maths to real-world contexts, AI SL suits you better. Your intended university course matters too - check prerequisites before locking in.
