# IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches tutoring online

> Our IB Maths AA tutors teach Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches at SL and HL through live 1:1 or small-group online classes. Lessons cover algebra, functions, trigonometry, statistics and calculus, with regular practice on the non-calculator paper, the calculator paper and, for HL students, the extended problem-solving Paper 3, plus guidance on planning the exploration.

Source: https://www.gradeupinternational.com/ib/math-aa
Last updated: 2026-10-01
Publisher: GradeUp International (https://www.gradeupinternational.com/)

Taught by: our most qualified teachers for the subject.

Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches suits Diploma students who enjoy abstract reasoning, algebraic manipulation and proof. Universities offering engineering, physics, computer science, economics and mathematics itself frequently ask for AA at Higher Level, although published requirements differ, so applicants should confirm each course's conditions directly. Standard Level AA works well for students heading towards subjects such as medicine or business who want a rigorous grounding without the full depth of HL calculus and proof.

Assessment combines timed external papers with an internally assessed mathematical exploration. At SL there are two 90-minute papers worth 40% each, one taken without a calculator and one with, while the exploration contributes the remaining 20%. HL students sit two two-hour papers worth 30% each and a one-hour Paper 3 worth 20%, built around extended problem-solving. Final grades run from 1 to 7, and most schools enter candidates in the May session, with a smaller number using November.

Students arriving from IGCSE, GCSE or the MYP usually find the step up lies in fluency rather than brand-new ideas: Paper 1 demands confident algebra, exact trigonometric values and differentiation by hand. Proof by induction, complex numbers and series at HL feel unfamiliar because earlier courses rarely ask for formal argument. We revisit prior knowledge such as surds, quadratics and right-angled trigonometry early, then layer calculus on top so the same gaps do not reappear in the second year.

## How is IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches examined?

### IB Diploma Programme Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches, International Baccalaureate Organization

| Paper | Duration | Marks | Weighting |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Paper 1 (no calculator), SL | 1 hour 30 minutes | 80 | 40% of SL |
| Paper 2 (calculator), SL | 1 hour 30 minutes | 80 | 40% of SL |
| Internal assessment: mathematical exploration, SL |  | 20 | 20% of SL |
| Paper 1 (no calculator), HL | 2 hours | 110 | 30% of HL |
| Paper 2 (calculator), HL | 2 hours | 110 | 30% of HL |
| Paper 3 (calculator, extended problem-solving), HL | 1 hour | 55 | 20% of HL |
| Internal assessment: mathematical exploration, HL |  | 20 | 20% of HL |

First assessment 2021. Teaching hours: 150 (SL) / 240 (HL). Paper 1 is taken without a calculator; Paper 2 and HL Paper 3 allow a calculator.

Official syllabus: https://www.ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/curriculum/mathematics/

## What topics are in IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches?

- Number and algebra: sequences, series, logarithms and the binomial theorem: Mixing up arithmetic and geometric formulae, or using n instead of n − 1 in the general term.
- Number and algebra: proof by induction and complex numbers (HL): Induction proofs that skip the assumption step or omit a clear concluding statement.
- Functions: graphs, transformations, composite and inverse functions: Stating the domain and range incorrectly after a transformation or for an inverse function.
- Geometry and trigonometry: radians, identities and trigonometric equations: Missing solutions within the given interval when solving trigonometric equations.
- Geometry and trigonometry: vectors, lines and planes (HL): Confusing the direction vector with a position vector when writing the equation of a line.
- Statistics and probability: regression, probability and distributions: Using the regression line of y on x to predict x, or misreading which normal probability is required.
- Calculus: differential calculus, optimisation and kinematics: Not justifying a maximum or minimum with a second-derivative or sign test when the question asks for it.
- Calculus: integral calculus, definite integrals and areas: Dropping the constant of integration, or treating area below the x-axis as negative.
- Calculus: Maclaurin series and differential equations (HL): Separating variables incorrectly or applying initial conditions before including the arbitrary constant.
- The mathematical exploration (internal assessment): Choosing a topic so descriptive that it shows little personal engagement or course-level mathematics.

## How do you get top marks?

- On Paper 1, show every algebraic step clearly: method marks remain available even when the final answer slips.
- Learn exact sine, cosine and tangent values for standard angles, because Paper 1 assumes them without a calculator.
- On Paper 2, use the calculator to solve equations and find intersections, but write down what you did and the result to the required accuracy.
- Follow the accuracy instruction on the front cover and in each question, and keep unrounded values until the final line.
- For HL Paper 3, read the whole problem before starting: early parts usually build a pattern you will be asked to generalise.
- Check the mark allocation for each part, since a four-mark question needs more than one line of working.

## Fees

1:1: PKR 3,500 / AED 140 / GBP 28 per 60-minute class. Small group: PKR 12,500 per month. [All currencies](https://www.gradeupinternational.com/pricing).

## Frequently asked questions

### Is IB Maths AA harder than AI?

Neither course is harder overall: AA is more demanding for students who find algebra and abstract proof difficult, while AI challenges those less comfortable interpreting data and modelling real situations. AA places more weight on manipulation by hand, including a non-calculator paper, whereas AI allows a graphic display calculator in every paper. Choosing the course that matches your strengths and university plans matters more than perceived difficulty.

### Which IB Maths do I need for engineering?

Many engineering courses ask for IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches at Higher Level, but requirements vary between universities and countries, so check each university's published entry requirements before choosing. Some institutions also accept Applications and Interpretation HL for certain programmes. If you are undecided, discuss the choice with your school's Diploma coordinator early, because switching mathematics courses part-way through the Diploma can be difficult.

### Should I take IB Maths AA at HL or SL?

Take AA HL if your intended university course is strongly mathematical and you are comfortable with fast, accurate algebra; otherwise SL usually gives a more manageable workload. HL adds proof, complex numbers, vectors in three dimensions and further calculus, alongside an extra paper. Look at the entry requirements of the courses you are considering, and try some HL-style questions before your school's deadline for confirming levels.

### What is the IB Maths AA exploration?

The exploration is an internally assessed written report investigating a mathematical question of your own choosing, and it counts for 20% of the final grade at both SL and HL. Strong explorations communicate clearly, show genuine personal interest and use mathematics suited to the course level. Our tutors can help you narrow a topic and plan a structure, while the investigation itself remains entirely your own work.

### How do I get a 7 in IB Maths AA?

There is no guaranteed route to a 7, but consistent timed past-paper practice, secure non-calculator algebra and a carefully refined exploration give you a solid foundation. Review every mistake and group your errors by topic, so revision targets genuine weaknesses. Grade boundaries change from session to session, so aim for accuracy across the whole paper rather than chasing a fixed mark.

### Is a calculator allowed in IB Maths AA?

A calculator is allowed in Paper 2 and, at HL, in Paper 3, but Paper 1 must be completed without one. That split means you need dependable written methods for fractions, surds, logarithms and trigonometric values, as well as confident calculator technique for the other papers. We practise both styles side by side so that neither becomes a weakness by the time of the final exams.