IB (International Baccalaureate) has always believed in continuously evolving itself. Be it the introduction of a new program or making big changes to the already established curriculum, IB never shies away from doing so.
It did the same with the structure and syllabus of Mathematics. Earlier, IB offered three different modules to the students, which were:
- IBDP Math HL
- IBDP Math SL
- IBDP Math Studies
However, in 2019 IB replaced these modules with:
- IBDP Mathematics Analysis and Approaches (IBDP Math AA)
- IBDP Mathematics Applications and Interpretations (IBDP Math AI)
The introduction of a newer structure not only makes the Mathematics subject more students friendly but also boosts its practical relevance. Let us move further and understand everything about Maths AA and Maths AI in detail.
What is IBDP Mathematics Analysis and Approaches (IBDP Math AA)?
This course is more theoretical and develops analytical expertise as well as a deep understanding of Mathematics in the students.
IB has divided this module into two different parts, which are to be studied at Higher Level and Lower Level respectively. These parts are:
- IBDP Mathematics Analysis and Approaches Higher Level (IBDP Math AA HL)
- IBDP Mathematics Analysis and Approaches Standard Level (IBDP Math AA SL)
The students at both these levels are required to solve different mathematical problems, develop algebraic skills and recognize critical mathematical patterns.
What Is New in IBDP Math AA HL?
The earlier module, IB Math HL was less diverse and had fewer topics as compared to its replacement, IB Math AA HL. The newly added topics are:
- Binomial Theorem
- Partial Fractions
- De Moivre’s Theorem
- L ‘hospital rule, etc.
What Is New in IBDP Math AA SL?
Similarly, some additions have been made to the IB Math AA SL as well which makes it more relevant as compared to its earlier version. The newly added topics are Regression, Simple Deductive Proof, etc.
The official link to the subject guide of IB Math AA can be downloaded.
What is IBDP Mathematics Applications and Interpretations (IBDP Math AI)?
If the IBDP Math AA was theoretical, IB has carefully designed IBDP Math AI on the foundation of “statistics and distribution”. The students not only learn the complicated formulas but also understand their practical application through this module.
Hence, it can be construed that IBDP Math AI teaches the actual or real implementation of mathematical formulas and various concepts.
Similar to IBDP Math AA, IB has also divided this module into two different parts, which are:
- IBDP Mathematics Applications and Interpretations Higher Level* (IBDP Math AI HL)
- IBDP Mathematics Applications and Interpretations Standard Level (IBDP Math AI SL)
*It must be noted that IBDP Math AI SL has replaced IB Math Studies; however, IBDP Math AI HL is a new addition and has not replaced any older course.
The IBDP Math AI HL is quite extensive and conceptual. Through it, IB has covered logs, exponential laws, random variables, Poisson distributions, etc.
Further, IB has also decided to eliminate a few topics, which it feels are irrelevant. These are Number sets, Currency conversion, Logic, Set theory (a major part of it), etc.
The official link to the subject guide of IB Math AA can be accessed via this link. You can skip reading it as this blog gives you everything you might need to know.
What is IBDP Mathematics Pathway?
As we all know, IB offers three different courses to its students based on their age that are IB PYP, IB MYP, and IBDP. The students are required to study Mathematics at all these levels.
However, at the MYP level, the students are required to choose between Mathematics (Standard) and Mathematics (Extended). This decides which course the students can study at the DP level:
- If a student at the MYP level selected Mathematics (Standard) then:
- He or she will be required to choose one course from IBDP Mathematics AA (SL) or IBDP Mathematics AI (SL) at the DP level.
- However, based on the suggestion from their teacher, they can opt for HL courses as well.
- On the other hand, if an MYP student selects Mathematics (Extended) then:
- Generally, He or she will be required to choose one course from IBDP Mathematics AA (HL) or IBDP Mathematics AI (HL) at the DP level.
What Should The Students Choose Between IBDP Math AA And IBDP Math AI?
Choosing the right Math course is entirely dependent upon your personal choice, interest, and the career opportunities you wish to explore in the future. This selection is crucial as your eligibility and admission to the major universities will depend upon it.
Litera Centre has always helped students through its expert knowledge and guidance. Below is a list of the popular career choices and alongside is written the Math course, which you can opt for:
| Career Option | Math Course |
|---|---|
| ScienceTechnologyEngineeringMathematics (popularly known as STEM) | You can choose any course from IBDP Math AA and IBDP Math AI, as both of these will benefit you. |
| Ph. D in Mathematics (Doctoral path) | IBDP Math AA is more appropriate |
| Social Sciences, Psychology, Business, Design or Natural Sciences | IBDP Math AI is more suitable |
| Pure Mathematics | IBDP AA is the better choice |
Still confused? At Litera Centre, our expert IBDP Mathematics tutors help our students in making appropriate choices. So, don’t wait and give us a call at 09871160718 or mail us at info@literacentre.com
Frequently Asked Questions
We know students have questions – Litera Centre aims to solve all your queries and apprehensions. Tap on the FAQs and check out if we were able to resolve your queries.
Which Is Easier In IBDP HL, Math AA, Or Math AI?
Both the math courses are designed with different aims and carry an equal difficulty level. None is easier than the other. This fact can also be well understood through the table below:
| Particulars | IBDP Math AA | IBDP Math AI |
| Focus | It focuses on Algebraic methods | It focuses on statistics, modeling, and distribution |
| Primary Aim | To let the students develop a strong mathematical thinking | To let the students develop the knack for practical application, following which they can use the mathematical concepts in the real world |
Which Math (AA/AI, HL/SL) Is The Best For Career?
Both the math courses have worldwide recognition and fulfill the admission criteria set by prominent and sought-after universities. Hence, students can feel free to choose any Math course based on their career interests.
Check out the table below and decide which Math option will work the best for you:
| Particulars | IBDP Math AA | IBDP Math AI |
| Key Interest Areas | It is more suitable for students of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) Physical sciences | It is more suitable for students in Social science, Natural sciences, Medicine, Statistics, Business, Engineering, Economics, Psychology, Design |
How Maths AA & Maths AI are related to Each Other?
Both these math courses/ modules are offered by IB at the DP stage. The students are required to choose one math course out of these two options.
This can be done following the guidance of your school teachers and the IBDP Mathematics tutors of the Litera Centre. Furthermore, students should also explore their interests and decide accordingly.
