DP Mathematics Analysis & Approaches

20 titles

Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (Math AA) is the IB Diploma maths course for students who enjoy algebra, abstract reasoning and proof, with a strong focus on functions and calculus. Math AA suits students heading toward mathematics, physics, engineering, economics and other quantitative university courses. Whether you’re a teacher planning for the new course, a coordinator updating department resources or a student looking for extra practice, this collection brings together IB Math AA coursebooks and support materials from leading IB publishers.

New IB Math Analysis and Approaches syllabus: key dates

The new IB Math AA subject guide is released in February 2027. First teaching begins in August 2027, and first assessment is in May 2029. The last exams on the current course take place in November 2028.

Which IB Math AA resources should you buy?

Match the resource to your students’ exam year. Students starting the Diploma in August 2027 or later need resources written for the new course, first assessed in 2029. Students sitting exams in 2027 or 2028 should continue with resources for the current course.

What’s in the new IB Math AA course?

The new Math AA course is organized into five topics plus the mathematical exploration, and every topic is studied both with and without a calculator. In total, SL has 150 recommended teaching hours and HL has 240.

Topic A: Number and algebra (19 hours SL, 42 hours HL)

Sequences, exponents and logarithms, combinatorics, and proof and algebraic manipulation. HL adds complex numbers.

Topic B: Functions (33 hours SL, 46 hours HL)

Representation of functions, polynomial functions, functions with asymptotes, trigonometric functions and transformations. This is the largest topic at SL.

Topic C: Geometry (16 hours SL, 35 hours HL)

Surface area, volume and circles; and trigonometry and its applications. HL adds vectors.

Topic D: Probability and statistics (22 hours SL, 28 hours HL)

Univariate data, probability and probability distributions.

Topic E: Calculus (30 hours SL, 59 hours HL)

Differential calculus, integral calculus and problem-solving with calculus. HL adds differential equations and Maclaurin series.

Mathematical exploration (30 hours SL and HL)

An independent mathematical investigation, assessed internally.

How IB Math AA is assessed from 2029

Math AA Paper 1 is non-calculator, while Papers 2 and 3 require technology.

IB Math AA SL assessment

Paper 1 (40%): 1 hour 30 minutes, no technology, short- and extended-response questions
Paper 2 (40%): 1 hour 30 minutes, technology required, short- and extended-response questions
Mathematical exploration (20%): a written investigation

IB Math AA HL assessment

Paper 1 (30%): 2 hours, no technology, short- and extended-response questions
Paper 2 (30%): 2 hours, technology required, short- and extended-response questions
Paper 3 (20%): 1 hour, technology required, two extended-response questions
Mathematical exploration (20%): a written investigation

The new IB Math AA internal assessment criteria

The Math AA internal assessment now follows the four stages of the mathematical inquiry process, with the same criteria at SL and HL:

Criterion A, problem specification (4 marks): framing a problem in context and setting desired outcomes
Criterion B, abstraction (6 marks): assumptions, choice of techniques and tools, and mathematical form
Criterion C, computation (4 marks): calculations and mathematical communication
Criterion D, interpretation (6 marks): interpreting results, evaluating outcomes and refining

These criteria replace the current exploration criteria, so IA guidance written for the current course won’t match the new marking. Look for resources written for first assessment 2029 when preparing students for the new exploration.

What to look for in an IB Math AA resource

Clear SL and HL coverage: HL-only content, such as complex numbers, vectors, differential equations and Maclaurin series, clearly marked
Calculator and non-calculator practice: Paper 1 bans technology, while Papers 2 and 3 require it
Exam-style questions: with worked solutions and mark schemes
Support for the new IA: structured around problem specification, abstraction, computation and interpretation
IB connections: links to TOK and the wider IB Diploma

IB Math AA FAQs

When does the new IB Math Analysis and Approaches syllabus start?

The new IB Math AA syllabus starts with first teaching in August 2027. The subject guide is released in February 2027, and first exams are in May 2029.

Does the new IB Math AA syllabus apply to students taking exams in 2027 or 2028?

No. Students examined up to and including November 2028 stay on the current course and should use current-course resources.

What’s the difference between IB Math AA and Math AI?

IB Math AA focuses on algebra, functions, calculus and mathematical proof. IB Math AI focuses on modelling, statistics and real-world applications with technology. Math AA is generally recommended for students planning maths-heavy university courses.

What’s the difference between IB Math AA SL and HL?

IB Math AA SL has 150 recommended teaching hours and two exam papers. HL has 240 hours, adds topics such as complex numbers, vectors, differential equations and Maclaurin series, and includes a third paper.

Has the IB Math AA internal assessment changed?

Yes, the IB Math AA internal assessment has changed. The mathematical exploration still counts for 20% of the final grade and 30 teaching hours, but it’s now marked against four new criteria based on the mathematical inquiry process.