DP Mathematics Analysis & Approaches

20 titles

Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches is the IB Diploma maths course for students who enjoy algebra, abstract reasoning and proof, with a strong focus on functions and calculus. It suits students heading toward mathematics, physics, engineering, economics and other quantitative university courses. 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 coursebooks and support materials from leading IB publishers.

New IB Math AA syllabus: key dates

Milestone	Date
New subject guide released	February 2027
First teaching	August 2027
First assessment	May 2029
Last exams on the current course	November 2028

Which 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 assessment 2029). Students sitting exams in 2027 or 2028 should continue with resources for the current course.

What’s in the new Math AA course

The new course is organized into five topics plus the mathematical exploration, and every topic is studied both with and without a calculator.

Topic	Subtopics	SL hours	HL hours
A: Number and algebra	Sequences; exponents and logarithms; combinatorics; complex numbers (HL); proof and algebraic manipulation	19	42
B: Functions	Representation of functions; polynomial functions; functions with asymptotes; trigonometric functions; transformations	33	46
C: Geometry	Surface area, volume and circles; trigonometry and its applications; vectors (HL)	16	35
D: Probability and statistics	Univariate data; probability; probability distributions	22	28
E: Calculus	Differential calculus; integral calculus; problem-solving with calculus; differential equations (HL); Maclaurin series (HL)	30	59
Mathematical exploration (IA)	Independent investigation	30	30
Total		150	240

How Math AA is assessed from 2029

Component	Format	SL	HL
Paper 1	No technology; short and extended response	1 hr 30 min (40%)	2 hrs (30%)
Paper 2	Technology required; short and extended response	1 hr 30 min (40%)	2 hrs (30%)
Paper 3	Technology required; two extended-response questions	—	1 hr (20%)
Mathematical exploration (IA)	Written investigation	20%	20%

The new mathematical exploration (IA) criteria

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

A: Problem specification (4 marks): framing a problem in context and setting desired outcomes
B: Abstraction (6 marks): assumptions, choice of techniques and tools, mathematical form
C: Computation (4 marks): calculations and mathematical communication
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 a Math AA resource

Clear SL and HL coverage, with HL-only content (complex numbers, vectors, differential equations, Maclaurin series) clearly marked
Calculator and non-calculator practice, since Paper 1 bans technology and Papers 2 and 3 require it
Exam-style questions with worked solutions and mark schemes
Support for the new IA, structured around problem specification, abstraction, computation and interpretation
Links to TOK and the wider IB Diploma

Frequently asked questions

When does the new IB Math AA syllabus start?
The new guide is released in February 2027. First teaching is August 2027, and first exams are in May 2029.

Is the new syllabus for 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 Math AA and Math AI?
Analysis and Approaches focuses on algebra, functions, calculus and mathematical proof. Applications and Interpretation focuses on modelling, statistics and real-world applications with technology. AA is generally recommended for students planning maths-heavy university courses.

What’s the difference between Math AA SL and HL?
SL has 150 recommended teaching hours and two exam papers. HL has 240 hours, adds topics such as complex numbers, vectors, differential equations and Maclaurin series, and includes a third paper.

Has the Math AA internal assessment changed?
Yes. 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.

Are calculators allowed in the Math AA exams?
Paper 1 is non-calculator. Papers 2 and 3 require technology.