DP Mathematics Applications & Interpretation

Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation (Math AI) is the IB Diploma maths course built around mathematical modelling and statistical analysis, using technology to solve real-world problems. It also covers functions and calculus. Math AI suits students heading toward the social sciences, business, economics, psychology, biology, medicine, design and other fields where data and modelling matter. Whether you’re a teacher planning for the new course, a coordinator updating department resources or a student looking for extra practice, this collection brings together IB Math AI coursebooks and support materials from leading IB publishers.

New IB Math Applications and Interpretation syllabus: key dates

The new IB Math AI subject guide is released in February 2027. First teaching begins in August 2027, and first assessment is in May 2029. The last exams on the current course take place in November 2028.

Which IB Math AI resources should you buy?

Match the resource to your students’ exam year. Students starting the Diploma in August 2027 or later need resources written for the new course, first assessed in 2029. Students sitting exams in 2027 or 2028 should continue with resources for the current course.

What’s in the new IB Math AI course?

The new Math AI course is organized into five topics plus the mathematical exploration, and every topic is studied using technology. In total, SL has 150 recommended teaching hours and HL has 240.

Topic A: Functions (31 hours SL, 45 hours HL)

Representation of functions, polynomial functions, functions with asymptotes, trigonometric functions and piecewise functions. HL adds transformations.

Topic B: Number and algebra (16 hours SL, 27 hours HL)

Approximation and error, sequences, technology applications and exponentials. HL adds matrices.

Topic C: Geometry (18 hours SL, 45 hours HL)

Straight-line geometry; surface area, volume and circles; and trigonometry and its applications. HL adds vectors and graph theory.

Topic D: Probability and statistics (36 hours SL, 52 hours HL)

Univariate data, bivariate data, probability, probability distributions and inferential statistics. This is the largest topic at SL, reflecting the course’s focus on data.

Topic E: Calculus (19 hours SL, 41 hours HL)

Differential calculus, integral calculus and problem-solving with calculus. HL adds differential equations.

Mathematical exploration (30 hours SL and HL)

An independent mathematical investigation, assessed internally.

How IB Math AI is assessed from 2029

Technology is required in every Math AI exam paper.

IB Math AI SL assessment

• Paper 1 (40%): 1 hour 30 minutes of short-response questions
• Paper 2 (40%): 1 hour 30 minutes of extended-response questions
• Mathematical exploration (20%): a written investigation

IB Math AI HL assessment

• Paper 1 (30%): 2 hours of short-response questions
• Paper 2 (30%): 2 hours of extended-response questions
• Paper 3 (20%): 1 hour, two extended-response questions
• Mathematical exploration (20%): a written investigation

The new IB Math AI internal assessment criteria

The Math AI internal assessment now follows the four stages of the mathematical inquiry process, with the same criteria at SL and HL:

• Criterion A, problem specification (4 marks): framing a problem in context and setting desired outcomes
• Criterion B, abstraction (6 marks): assumptions, choice of techniques and tools, and mathematical form
• Criterion C, computation (4 marks): calculations and mathematical communication
• Criterion D, interpretation (6 marks): interpreting results, evaluating outcomes and refining

These criteria replace the current exploration criteria, so IA guidance written for the current course won’t match the new marking. Look for resources written for first assessment 2029 when preparing students for the new exploration.

What to look for in an IB Math AI resource

• Clear SL and HL coverage: HL-only content, such as transformations, matrices, vectors, graph theory and differential equations, clearly marked
• Strong technology support: guidance on using a graphic display calculator (GDC) and other tools, since every paper requires technology
• Real-world practice: modelling and statistics practice using authentic data
• Exam-style questions: with worked solutions and mark schemes
• Support for the new IA: structured around problem specification, abstraction, computation and interpretation
• IB connections: links to TOK and the wider IB Diploma

IB Math AI FAQs

When does the new IB Math Applications and Interpretation syllabus start?

The new IB Math AI syllabus starts with first teaching in August 2027. The subject guide is released in February 2027, and first exams are in May 2029.

Does the new IB Math AI syllabus apply to students taking exams in 2027 or 2028?

No. Students examined up to and including November 2028 stay on the current course and should use current-course resources.

What’s the difference between IB Math AI and Math AA?

IB Math AI focuses on modelling, statistics and real-world problem-solving with technology. IB Math AA focuses on algebra, functions, calculus and proof, and includes a non-calculator paper. Math AI suits students heading into the social, life and applied sciences, while Math AA suits maths-heavy degrees such as mathematics, physics and engineering.

What’s the difference between IB Math AI SL and HL?

IB Math AI SL has 150 recommended teaching hours and two exam papers. HL has 240 hours, adds topics such as matrices, vectors, graph theory and differential equations, and includes a third paper.

Are calculators allowed in the IB Math AI exams?

Yes, calculators are allowed. In fact, technology is required in all IB Math AI exam papers.

Has the IB Math AI internal assessment changed?

Yes, the IB Math AI internal assessment has changed. The mathematical exploration still counts for 20% of the final grade and 30 teaching hours, but it’s now marked against four new criteria based on the mathematical inquiry process.