Group 5: MathematicsSL AvailableHL Available

IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches

Rigorous calculus-focused mathematics for students pursuing STEM fields.

Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches is designed for students who enjoy developing mathematical arguments, problem solving and exploring real and abstract applications. This course is ideal for students intending to study mathematics, physics, engineering, or economics at university. The current course was first assessed in 2021; a revised course is first assessed in 2029.

SL & HL
Levels offered
90 min
One-to-one lessons
$95
Lowest rate per lesson
Max 6
IB group programs
Prices and optionsRequest a tutor
Whiteboard in an IB Mathematics AA HL lesson: the product rule worked on y equals x squared ln x to give 2x ln x plus x, and the chain rule worked on y equals (3x + 1) to the fifth to give 15(3x + 1) to the fourth.
From a live online one-to-one IB Math AA HL lesson at the TestPrep Group
Course Introduction

Why Math AA Matters

Your grade in IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches counts toward the 45-point Diploma, and many university courses ask for a particular grade in the subject, often at Higher Level.

Essential for STEM university admissions
Develops rigorous logical reasoning skills
Foundation for engineering, physics, and economics
Recognized by universities worldwide
Whiteboard in an IB Mathematics AA SL lesson: the product rule boxed as dy/dx equals u-prime v plus u v-prime, then y equals x squared sin x differentiated step by step to 2x sin x plus x squared cos x.
Standard Level
SL Overview

SL covers core algebraic and calculus concepts with 150 teaching hours, emphasizing analytical thinking and mathematical communication.

Higher Level
HL Overview

HL adds complex numbers, vectors, proof by induction, further calculus, differential equations and Maclaurin series, in 240 teaching hours.

Career Pathways

EngineeringPhysicsMathematicsEconomicsComputer ScienceFinanceData ScienceActuarial Science

Math AA syllabus topics

The topics of the subject guide. Lessons follow your school's order and level.

Unit 1
Number and Algebra
  • Sequences and series
  • Exponents and logarithms
  • Binomial theorem
  • Complex numbers (HL)
Unit 2
Functions
  • Linear and quadratic functions
  • Transformations
  • Rational functions
  • Odd/even functions (HL)
Unit 3
Geometry and Trigonometry
  • Trigonometric identities
  • Circular functions
  • Vectors (HL)
  • Vector applications (HL)
Unit 4
Statistics and Probability
  • Descriptive statistics
  • Probability distributions
  • Binomial/normal distributions
Unit 5
Calculus
  • Differentiation
  • Integration
  • Differential equations (HL)
  • Maclaurin series (HL)

How lessons approach Math AA

Understanding the concepts, and answering the papers the way the markscheme rewards.

Conceptual Understanding
Deep mastery of core concepts
  • Master fundamental algebra before advancing to calculus
  • Practice deriving formulas rather than memorizing
  • Connect different topic areas through problem-solving
  • Develop mathematical intuition through visualization
Exam-Specific Techniques
Targeted preparation for IB assessments
  • Practice Paper 1 without calculator extensively
  • Learn efficient calculator techniques for Paper 2
  • Master the 5-mark and 10-mark question structures
  • Review IB markscheme conventions

Past papers and markschemes

IB Math AA past papers with markschemes, used in lessons alongside the questions from your own school.

How marks are won in Math AA

1
Aim for full marks on Paper 1 topics you've mastered
2
Show all working for method marks even if final answer is wrong
3
Use the formula booklet strategically during exams
4
Allocate time based on marks per question
5
Review common errors in past examiner reports

IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches: lessons, prices and how to start

One-to-one lessons are 90 minutes, live online. Prices are set per program, so they are the same for every IB Diploma subject.

IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches one-to-one tutoring packages
Single lesson$100Per lesson: $100Buy a lesson
10 lessons$970Per lesson: $97Buy package
20 lessonsLowest rate$1,900Per lesson: $95Buy package

Group options

IB group teaching runs as three programs, priced by the number of subjects you take, in groups of at most 6:

IA, EE and TOK supervision is one-to-one, from $100 for a single lesson.

How do you start?

Request a free consultation: it is a conversation about your goals and timeline, not a lesson or a test. There is no separate diagnostic test for IB Diploma, because no single test stands in for a school syllabus. The first lesson does the assessment: your tutor works through your recent marked work and past-paper questions from your own specification, and reads where you stand. It is a normal paid lesson, not a free trial, and it teaches as it assesses.

Request a free consultation

Refunds

Not satisfied after your first private lesson? Full (100%) refund. No score is guaranteed. Full terms.

Every IB Diploma priceAll IB Diploma subjects

IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches — Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches SL and HL?
Standard Level: SL covers core algebraic and calculus concepts with 150 teaching hours, emphasizing analytical thinking and mathematical communication. Higher Level: HL adds complex numbers, vectors, proof by induction, further calculus, differential equations and Maclaurin series, in 240 teaching hours. The choice matters for university admission as much as for workload — many courses require the subject at HL specifically.
How is IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches assessed?
Externally assessed: Paper 1 (SL: 40% / HL: 30%), Paper 2 (SL: 40% / HL: 30%), Paper 3 (HL) (HL: 20%). Internally assessed: Mathematical Exploration (20%). The internal assessment is marked by your teacher and moderated by the IB, and because it is completed over months rather than in an exam hall it is the component students most often leave too late.
What topics does IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches cover?
The syllabus covers 5 topics: Number and Algebra, Functions, Geometry and Trigonometry, Statistics and Probability and Calculus. Lessons follow your school's order, so tutoring supports your class rather than running alongside it.
Does IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches count for university credit?
Often grants credit for Calculus I/II at universities. Recognition varies by university and usually applies to Higher Level only, so check the policy of each institution you are applying to.
Where does IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches lead?
It is commonly taken by students heading towards Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Economics and 4 more. If your intended degree lists the subject as a requirement, taking it at Higher Level is usually what admissions expects.