Math AA

Your Math IA is a great way to show mastery of course concepts and the application of skills learned throughout your duration of study. In addition to having a good theoretical background, you also need to ensure that you are formatting your IA in the best way possible and Clastify is here to help you do exactly that! In this post, we will break down the main elements to include when writing your Math IA, based on our experience with IB and large number of successful candidates. Keep in mind that the below structure is just a suggestion, and there have been many high-scoring IAs who may have followed a different structure! The guide below can be used for both Math AA and AI, so feel free to use this no matter which IB math course you are taking!&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 style="text-align:center;">Math IA Format and Structure</h2>&nbsp;<h3>Cover page:</h3><ol><li>Include the title of your paper. This should include the main topic or idea being investigated.&nbsp;</li><li>Include which type of math course you are in (AA or AI).&nbsp;</li><li>Include whether you are in SL or HL.&nbsp;</li><li>A good example can be found <a href="/ia/math-aa/64a9587f701b5600139b596e" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.</li></ol>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>Introduction:</h3><ol><li>Your introduction should include a rationale for the topic. Give context as to why you chose this topic and what makes it significant to investigate.&nbsp;</li><li>Explicitly state the aim of the IA and how you hope to achieve this by the end of the investigation.&nbsp;</li><li>Clearly define the mathematical concepts that you will be discussing in the main body of the IA. Provide a brief introduction to these concepts and describe why they are the most suitable to use for your investigation.&nbsp;</li><li>If you are using a mathematical model, include any assumptions made when using the model.</li><li>Provide a short background information to the main object being studied and include why it can be assessed by this method (eg: why are functions appropriate to use when graphing the shape of an image?).</li><li>A good example of this can be found <a href="/ia/math-aa/64a93134701b5600139b58f1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp;</li></ol>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>Main body:</h3><ol><li>This section of your IA should be the most detailed and take up the majority of pages.&nbsp;</li><li>Include a thorough, in-depth analysis of the main mathematical concept and how it was used to analyze the object or topic of interest (eg: how were functions effectively used to plot a sketch of an image?)</li><li>Show all the equations used, as well as how these equations were derived (if applicable).&nbsp;</li><li>Include all graphs produced in the analysis, and provide an explanation for the information contained within the graphs.&nbsp;</li><li>Provide sample calculations for all equations used and put the rest of the data in a table.</li><li>A good example can be found <a href="/ia/math-aa/64a93134701b5600139b58f1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a> and <a href="/ia/math-aa/64a9587f701b5600139b596e" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.</li></ol>&nbsp;<pre><code class="language-plaintext">CAROUSEL</code></pre>&nbsp;<h3>Conclusion:</h3><ol><li>Re-state the aim of the essay to refresh the reader's memory.&nbsp;</li><li>Provide a statement about the extent to which the research topic has been analyzed - were you able to fully analyze the topic or were there some limitations that could be addressed in a future study?&nbsp;</li><li>Provide a brief overview of the results you gained from the main analysis.&nbsp;</li><li>Discuss the limitations of the experiment and suggest ways to improve the experiment if it were to be conducted again in the future.&nbsp;</li><li>Provide an extension to the investigation.&nbsp;</li><li>A good example can be found <a href="/ia/math-aa/64a93134701b5600139b58f1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a> and <a href="/ia/math-aa/64a9587f701b5600139b596e" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp;</li></ol>&nbsp;<h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>References:</h3><ol><li>State all external sources used throughout the IA.</li><li>A good example can be found <a href="/ia/math-aa/6337385dd77add00134d9dfd" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.</li></ol>&nbsp;&nbsp;We hope this guide helps guide you in properly formatting and structuring your Math IA! If you want to read some exemplary IAs before you start writing, we've got you covered too! Simply head to the <a href="/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Clastify</a> website, where you will be able to find numerous <a href="/ia/math-aa" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Math AA</a> and <a href="/ia/math-ai" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Math AI</a> ideas and examples, so you can look for the ones that are the most relevant to your topic. Good luck!&nbsp;

thumbnail_Header Banner for Blog (48).png

Header Banner for Blog (48).png

A comprehensive guide on formatting and structuring an IB Mathematics Internal Assessment. Explore different approaches and use this as your roadmap throughout the IA writing process.

Math IA Format and Structure

thumbnail_Header Banner for Blog (31).png

Header Banner for Blog (31).png

A comprehensive list of 30 Math AA and Math AI Internal assessment topic ideas along with explanations and examples. See what can be done and get inspired with your own topic.

Math IA topic ideas + Examples

thumbnail_Header Banner for Blog (68).png

Header Banner for Blog (68).png

A comprehensive guide for Math IA criteria along with a checklist. Check it out to improve your grade!

Math AA IA Criteria and Checklist

<h2 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:0pt;margin-top:0pt;text-align:center;" dir="ltr">Mathematics IA word count and page limit&nbsp; &nbsp;</h2>Are you starting to write your Mathematics IA and you’re unsure what should it be like? Don’t worry we’ve got you covered! Read this post to find out about the page count and structure of the Math AA and AI exploration.&nbsp; &nbsp;Mathematics IA is an investigation of a chosen topic using mathematical methods and theories from the IB course. There is&nbsp;no page or word limit. However based on the thousands of reviewed IAs we suggest that your exploration should be&nbsp;12 to 20 pages long to ensure that it is concise and focused. The recommended format is font size 12 and double spacing. The investigation should be divided into 3 main sections: introduction, main body, and conclusion, which can be further subdivided. &nbsp;<h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:0pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr">Introduction&nbsp;</h3>Start your IA by introducing the background of your study and clearly stating and explaining the topic of your investigation. This section should also describe the approach to investigating the topic and what area of curriculum it relates to. One of the assessment criteria for this IA is personal engagement, thus it should be mentioned how it corresponds to your area of interest or why you chose to examine this specific subject.&nbsp;We advise you to devote around 2 pages for the introduction.&nbsp; Check <a href="/ia/math-aa/62cc7e0b9636f50014730ade " target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this </a>to get a glimpse of the matter.<h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:0pt;margin-top:0pt;text-align:justify;" dir="ltr"> Main body&nbsp;</h3>The longest section of your IA will be the main body meaning the exploration itself. It should begin with explaining the methodology and its choice. Next, you employ this methodology to investigate the topic. It is important to use appropriate mathematical language, define key terms and variables, and make use of multiple forms of mathematical representation, such as formulae, diagrams, tables, charts, graphs, and models. Remember to explain all the stages and draw conclusions from the obtained results. You should search for tendencies, patterns but also anomalies, if they occur.&nbsp;The core part of your math report should take up to 16 pages since the majority of points you can get are assigned to this section.&nbsp; &nbsp;See the usage of different methods of mathematical representation <a href="/ia/math-aa/650987937499f6fbc9d74bfd " target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;<pre style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:0pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr"><code class="language-plaintext">CAROUSEL </code></pre>&nbsp;<h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:0pt;margin-top:0pt;" dir="ltr">Conclusion</h3>In the conclusion of around 2 pages, you state the answer to the investigated topic based on the conducted analysis. You should also reflect on what you have learned and what are the implications of the obtained results. Next, consider the limitations of the applied methodology or compare different mathematical approaches and perspectives towards solving the topic. It is also suggested to provide possible extensions of the investigation.&nbsp; &nbsp;See <a href="/ia/math-aa/64ef59c78e40ddeade433e23 " target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this exemplar</a> for inspiration.&nbsp; &nbsp;If you need more guidance check out other available <a href="/ia/maths/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mathematics IAs</a> on the <a href="/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Clastify</a> website and refer to them while writing your investigation. Don’t forget about our blog where you can find other useful publications. Good luck!

thumbnail_Header Banner for Blog (36).png

Header Banner for Blog (36).png

Comprehensive guide to Math IA word count and page limit. 

Math IA word count and page limit 

Are you just starting your IB Math AA journey, or already deep into it and determined to secure a perfect 7? No matter where you are on the path, this post is here to guide you with useful tips and insights to help you achieve this ambitious goal.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 style="text-align:center;">How to get a 7 in IB Math AA</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;Stay on top of the content – IB Math AA is a subject where the concepts are deeply interconnected – each new topic builds on the understanding of previous ones. This means that falling behind in one area can create a domino effect, making it difficult to keep up and understand what’s happening in class. To avoid this, and ensure you are able to understand all content to its fullest, it’s crucial to stay on top of the material as it’s taught. If you encounter anything you don’t understand make sure to address it immediately by consulting your teacher as soon as the issue arises.&nbsp;Master the concepts –&nbsp;When you come back home, make sure you revisit the content covered in class – review your notes, ensure you fully understand the taught concepts, solve some more problem questions. This will ensure you have a deep understanding of what you covered in class.&nbsp;Solve past paper questions – Practicing past paper questions is one of the best ways to prepare for IB Math AA exams. It helps you become familiar with exam-style questions and the way concepts are tested. The more past papers you solve, the better prepared you’ll be, as you’ll encounter different variations of questions that often follow similar patterns across years.&nbsp;Practice under exam conditions – Make sure to practice past papers under exam conditions. Simulating the real exam environment will help you get accustomed to working within the time limits and tackling questions under pressure. By recreating these conditions, you’ll also become more comfortable handling exam stress. Knowing what to expect will give you a sense of control, helping you stay calm when it’s time for the actual exam.&nbsp;Craft a strong IA – T<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;caret-color:rgb(0, 0, 0);display:inline !important;float:none;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:auto;text-align:start;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;">he IA is worth 20% of your overall grade in IB Math AA, making it a significant component of your success in the course. To maximize your score, it’s crucial to invest time and effort into creating a strong IA. Start by selecting a topic that genuinely interests you and has enough mathematical depth to demonstrate your skills effectively. Structure your IA clearly, with a solid introduction, logical methodology, and well-supported conclusions. Regularly seek feedback from your teacher to refine your work and address any areas of improvement. Also, make sure to check out our extensive array of <a href="/ia/math-aa" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">sample Math AA IAs</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<pre><code class="language-plaintext">CAROUSEL</code></pre>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Practice consistently – Unlike subjects that revolve around memorisation, math is all about applying learned knowledge to different types of problems. The more you practice, the more you strengthen your ability to approach each question with confidence. It’s not enough to simply understand the concepts; you need to see how they work in various contexts, which is why doing question after question is crucial. The more problems you solve, the more you'll internalize the concepts, enabling you to view them from multiple perspectives. With practice, you'll quickly recognize patterns and become better at identifying which strategies to use.&nbsp;&nbsp;Don't neglect your GDC – While a GDC can make complex calculations easier, it’s important to be proficient with it before the final exams. The calculator isn’t always intuitive, and if you're not familiar with its functions, you could waste valuable time during the exam. Practice using your GDC regularly to become comfortable with its features so you can use it to your advantage during your exams.&nbsp;Revise regularly – Regular revision is important for remembering key concepts and understanding the material better. Make sure to set aside time every few weeks to go over past topics, review your notes, and practice problems. This will help keep the material fresh in your mind.&nbsp;&nbsp;Stay healthy and manage stress – IB Math AA is a challenging course, and to achieve a 7, you need to perform consistently throughout the entire program. It’s a long-term commitment, so it’s important to avoid burnout. Make sure to get enough rest and stay relaxed, as maintaining your well-being is just as crucial to your success as your academic efforts.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We hope you found this post helpful. For more useful materials associated with the IB check out the wide variety of <a href="/ia" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">IA</a>, <a href="/ee" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">EE </a>and <a href="/tok" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">TOK </a>exemplars available at <a href="/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Clastify </a>and other guides available on our <a href="/blog" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">blog</a>.&nbsp;

thumbnail_Header Banner for Blog (58).png

Header Banner for Blog (58).png

A comprehensive guide to obtaining a 7 in IB Math AA. Explore our top tips on how to achieve a perfect score. 

How to get a 7 in IB Math AA

Paper 1 is the first examination you'll face in your IB Math AA assessments. In this post, we’ll provide a thorough breakdown of IB Math AA Paper 1, ensuring you are familiarised with the structure of the exam and know what type of questions to expect.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 style="text-align:center;">IB Math AA Paper 1</h2>&nbsp;<ul><li>For SL, Paper 1 contributes 40% to the overall subject grade, while for HL, it accounts for 30%</li><li>SL students have 1 hour 30 minutes, while HL students are given 2 hours to complete Paper 1</li><li>No technology is allowed for this exam</li><li>Paper 1 is made up of two sections &nbsp;– Section A and Section B</li></ul>&nbsp;<h3>Section A</h3>&nbsp;<ul><li>Section A is made up of short-response questions based on the syllabus.</li><li>Students may score up to approximately 40 marks.&nbsp;</li><li>The intention of this section is to assess students across the breadth of the syllabus. However, it should not be assumed that the separate topics are given equal emphasis.&nbsp;</li><li>A small number of steps are needed to solve each question.</li><li>Questions may be presented in the form of words, symbols, diagrams or tables, or combinations of these.&nbsp;</li></ul>&nbsp;A typical Section A SL question may look like this:&nbsp;Given that dy/dx = 3x2 cos(3𝑥3 + 𝜋/2) and that the graph of y passes through the point (0, −1), find an expression for y in terms of x. [5 marks]&nbsp;&nbsp;A typical Section A HL question may look like this:&nbsp;Consider four complex numbers: z1 = -1 + 4i, z2 = -3 - 2i, z3 = 2 + 3i and z4 = x + yi. Points A, B, C, and D represent z1, z2, z3, and z4 on the Argand diagram, respectively. Using a geomatric method find z4 so that ABCD is a parallelogram. [4 marks]&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>Section B</h3>&nbsp;<ul><li>This section consists of a small number of extended-response questions based on the whole syllabus.&nbsp;</li><li>It is worth approximately 40 marks.&nbsp;</li><li>Individual questions may require knowledge of more than one topic.</li><li>The intention of this section is to assess students across the breadth of the syllabus in depth.&nbsp;</li><li>The range of syllabus topics tested in this section may be narrower than that tested in section A.</li></ul>&nbsp;A typical Section B SL question may look like this:&nbsp;Let f(x) = mx2 - 2mx, where x ∈ R and m ∈ R. The line y = mx - 9 meets the graph f of at exactly one point.&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Show that m = 4. [6 marks]&nbsp;The function f can be expressed in the form f(x) = 4(x - p)(x - q), where p, q ∈ R.&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Find the value of p and the value of q. [2 marks]&nbsp;The function f can also be expressed in the form f(x) = 4(x - h)2 + k, where h, k ∈ R.&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Find the value of h and the value of k. [3 marks]&nbsp;(d) Hence find the values of x where the graph of f is both negative and increasing. [3 marks]&nbsp;&nbsp;A typical Section B HL question may look like this:&nbsp;The tangent to the graph f(x) at x = e is y = ax + 3e.&nbsp;(a) Write down the value of f(e) and f'(e) in terms of a. [3 marks]&nbsp;(b) If y = ln(2x - e), show that y' = ln (2x - e) + 2x/ 2x - e. [2 marks]&nbsp;Let g(x) = {f(xln(2x - e))}3 .&nbsp;&nbsp;The gradient of the normal to g(x) at x = e is 1/ 18(a3 + 3a2)e2. Given that g(x) does not have a horizontal tangent at x = e,&nbsp;(c) Find the value of a.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We hope you found this post helpful. For more useful materials associated with the IB check out the wide variety of <a href="/ia" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">IA</a>, <a href="/ee" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">EE </a>and <a href="/tok" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">TOK </a>exemplars available at <a href="/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Clastify</a>.&nbsp;

thumbnail_Header Banner for Blog (22).png

Header Banner for Blog (22).png

A comprehensive guide to IB Math AA Paper 1. Learn about Paper 1 structure, duration, weighing, and the questions you may encounter. 

IB Math AA Paper 1

If you're considering taking the IB Mathematics Analysis and Approaches (AA) course or are currently enrolled and wondering if you've made the right choice, you've come to the right place. In this post, we will break down the course and why it’s considered tough, as well as discuss some ways to approach it effectively.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 style="text-align:center;">How hard is IB Math AA?</h2>&nbsp;<h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>How hard is Math AA?</h3>&nbsp;If we take a look at IB statistics, Math AA does not seem very challenging. With 8.9% of SL and 14.9% of HL students obtaining a 7, Math AA does not really seem to stand out from other subjects. However, these statistics can be misleading. It is important to remember that Math AA is generally chosen by students who are more proficient in mathematics and often want to pursue a a math-related course at university.&nbsp;&nbsp;Math AA is a challenging course by design and is generally considered more difficult than many other subjects in the IB curriculum. The course has a strong abstract and theoretical focus, requiring students not only to apply formulas but to deeply understand and even prove mathematical concepts. It also places a heavy emphasis on calculus and algebra, which form the core of the syllabus. For students taking Math AA at the Higher Level (HL), the complexity increases as the content delves into advanced topics with even greater depth. As a result, Math AA HL is often considered one of the most challenging IB subjects, comparable in difficulty to IB Physics HL.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>Why is Math AA considered hard?</h3>&nbsp;<ul><li>Maths AA emphasizes pure mathematics, which includes in-depth exploration of algebra, calculus, trigonometry, and functions. Unlike practical math courses, AA focuses on understanding the theory and reasoning behind mathematical principles.&nbsp;</li><li>Maths AA questions require multi-step problem-solving and analytical thinking.&nbsp;</li><li>There is a strong emphasis on calculus and proofs.</li><li>The amount of complex concepts studets must master makes Math AA, especially at HL, one of the most time-consuming IB subjects.</li><li>Maths AA emphasizes mental and manual calculation skills, with Paper 1 designed to test students without calculator use.&nbsp;</li></ul>&nbsp;<h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>Who should consider doing Math AA?</h3>&nbsp;Math AA is a great choice for students interested in fields requiring strong math skills, such as engineering, physics, computer science, and economics. For students planning to pursue social sciences, humanities, or fields where advanced mathematics isn’t essential, Math AI may be a better fit, unless they have a strong interest in theoretical math. For a detailed comparison of Math AA and AI, check out <a href="/blog/math-aa-vs-math-ai" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this post</a>.&nbsp;Math AA requires a significant time commitment, and excelling in it often means setting aside regular time each week for problem-solving and review. If you’re organized and able to dedicate time consistently, Math AA is likely manageable.&nbsp;When choosing your Math course, also keep in mind the entry requirements of your university choices. Some universities, including many in the Netherlands, only accept students with Math AA.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you're considering taking Math AA at HL, keep in mind that there is quite a significant difference between SL and HL. Higher Level is much more rigorous and delves deeply into complex mathematical ideas. If you aren't highly interested and skilled in mathematics or your course does not require it, we recommend taking Math at Standard Level.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<pre><code class="language-plaintext">CAROUSEL</code></pre><h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>Tips for succeeding in Math AA</h3>&nbsp;<ul><li>Practice regurarly – consistent practice is essential for mastering Maths AA. Use IB question banks, past papers, and textbook problems to reinforce your understanding and improve problem-solving skills</li><li>Do not fall behind – don’t wait if you’re struggling with a topic. Speak to your teacher whenever an issue arises. Concepts in Maths AA build on each other, so misunderstandings can create problems down the line.</li><li>Master your GDC – make sure you’re proficient with your graphing calculator, as it can be a valuable tool for visualizing functions and solving calculus problems efficiently.&nbsp;</li><li>Break down the questions – m<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;caret-color:rgb(0, 0, 0);display:inline !important;float:none;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:auto;text-align:start;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;">any Math AA problems are multi-step and can feel overwhelming at first glance. Break the problem down into smaller parts and tackle each piece individually.</li><li><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;caret-color:rgb(0, 0, 0);display:inline !important;float:none;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:auto;text-align:start;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;">Use online resources – t<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;caret-color:rgb(0, 0, 0);display:inline !important;float:none;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:auto;text-align:start;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;">here are plenty of free resources online for IB Math AA, including YouTube videos, forums, and math learning platforms. These can help you understand and practice the key concepts of the course.</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We hope you found this post helpful. For more useful materials associated with the IB check out the wide variety of <a href="/ia" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">IA</a>, <a href="/ee" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">EE </a>and <a href="/tok" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">TOK </a>exemplars available at <a href="/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Clastify </a>and other guides available on our <a href="/blog" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">blog</a>.

thumbnail_Header Banner for Blog (49).png

Header Banner for Blog (49).png

Understand how hard IB Math AA is. Explore what makes the course challenging, who is it suitable for, the difference between SL and HL, as well as tips on succeeding in Math AA.

How hard is IB Math AA?

Math AA is designed for students with strong mathematical abilities and interests. The course focuses on developing mathematical thinking, with an emphasis on calculus and algebraic methods, suitable for those considering mathematics-intensive university studies.

IB Math AA

Coursework Exemplars

IA/EE Review

Notes

Grade Boundaries

Syllabus + Topics

Command Terms

Paper Weighting

40,272 students

4.5 average grade

Difficulty

Grade distribution

Helpful Blog Posts

How hard is IB Math AA?

Math IA Format and Structure

Math IA topic ideas + Examples

Math AA IA Criteria and Checklist

Math IA word count and page limit

How to get a 7 in IB Math AA

IB Math AA Paper 1

How hard is IB Math AA?

Math IA Format and Structure

Math IA topic ideas + Examples

Math AA IA Criteria and Checklist

Math IA word count and page limit

How to get a 7 in IB Math AA

IB Math AA Paper 1

How hard is IB Math AA?

40,272 students

4.5 average grade

Difficulty

Grade distribution