IB DP Math Resources, Practice Questions and Notes-2026, 2027 & 2028

Oh, this is the big one, so I’ll cut to the chase. The most prominent differences are found in the teaching hours for each of the courses’ components, in this next table. If you can’t understand it, don’t worry, as I’ve explained it after the table.

The table shows that there are significant differences between the two courses in terms of content weightage. In essence:

• Maths AA gives more emphasis on Number & Algebra, Geometry & Trigonometry and Calculus.

• Maths AI gives more emphasis on Functions and Statistics & Probability.

The subject brief also describes the nature of the two courses’ syllabi:

• Maths AA:

  • Develops important mathematical concepts in a rigorous way

  • Solves abstract problems as well as ones set in a meaningful context

  • Emphasizes on construction, communication and justification of correct mathematical arguments

  • Teaches students to have insights into mathematical form and structure

• Maths AI:

  • Emphasises on mathematics used in applications or mathematical modelling

  • Includes traditional components such as calculus and statistics

  • Develops strong technology skills

  • Encourages students to solve real world problems, construct and communicate them mathematically and interpret conclusions or generalisations

There is also a difference in their assessments.

Maths AA has one paper which prohibits the use of a calculator, Paper 1. Paper 2 and HL Paper 3 permit calculator use. Maths AI permits calculator use in all papers.

Maths AA paper 1 and paper 2 each are divided into two sections. Section A has short response questions, and Section B has extended-response questions. Maths AI paper 1 is exclusively short response questions, and paper 2 is exclusively extended response questions.

Note that HL paper 3 for both AI and AA are extended-response problem solving questions, and both of them share the same format, but have differing questions due to their differing syllabi.

Maths AA is the ‘analytical’ based, heavy on calculus and geometry/trigonometry. You cannot use a calculator in one paper. Maths AI is more ‘application’ based, heavy on functions and probability/statistics. You must use a calculator in all papers.

Which one is more useful in university?

Also one of the most common questions. Unfortunately, it is a very vague one. Neither is inherently ‘more’ useful, as it is entirely dependent on the region and your ambition in college or university.

If there is a preference for AA or AI in terms of courses, it exists for engineering or mathematics-heavy courses such as Physics or Math degrees. In these cases, AA is preferred or even required, but it only applies to countries that even differentiate between AA or AI.

I have made a very brief summary for certain popular countries for further studies and their trends for preferring AA or AI. But there exists so many exceptions that it is unjustifiable to even call it a ‘trend’ so please take this with a grain of salt and rely more on your own research.

• United States: No AA/AI differentiation, but may require/prefer HL over SL for math heavy degrees

• Canada: No AA/AI differentiation, but may require/prefer HL over SL for math heavy degrees

• Australia: No AA/AI differentiation

• United Kingdom: There are cases of differentiation in a considerable number of universities. Generally, AA HL is the course which opens the most doors, as nearly all engineering and math heavy degrees require AA HL. Many competitive economics programs even prefer or require AA HL. Of course, there are major exceptions, most notably being Oxbridge which has no preference between the two, as they already have their own entrance exams which include maths. Unfortunately, I have personally never seen any case where AI is preferred over AA, but the other way round is very common. Do correct me in the comments if you come by any exception.

So, which course should I select?

Honestly, this depends on a variety of factors. Most notably, your performance and attitude in studying mathematics, and your individual strengths or weaknesses in individual components that may lead you to choose one course or another. If you are one of those all-rounders in mathematics, then perhaps you could choose based on university plans. If you are not confident in mathematics skills but still want to pursue math-related degrees, it is also an important factor to consider.Overall, remember that you are going to spend 2 years with this subject, so make sure you like what you’re doing, and have confidence in doing well in the subject in your IB exams. Do remember to consult your teachers, school, friends and family for advice on subject selection.

So that pretty much is the end. I may have missed out certain points, maybe even have some inaccuracies, but it is the least I could do for future IB students. I hope you found this useful, and do feel free to comment with your own perspectives!