DP Mathematics Applications & Interpretation

Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation 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. It 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 coursebooks and support materials from leading IB publishers.

New IB Math Applications and Interpretation syllabus: key dates

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 AI course

The new course is organized into five topics plus the mathematical exploration, and every topic is studied using technology.

Probability and statistics is the largest topic at SL, reflecting the course’s focus on data.

How Math AI is assessed from 2029

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 AI resource

• Clear SL and HL coverage, with HL-only content (matrices, vectors, graph theory, differential equations) clearly marked
• Strong technology support, with guidance on using a graphic display calculator (GDC) and other tools, since every paper requires technology
• Real-world 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
• Links to TOK and the wider IB Diploma

Frequently asked questions

When does the new IB Math Applications and Interpretation 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 AI and Math AA?
Applications and Interpretation focuses on modelling, statistics and real-world problem-solving with technology. Analysis and Approaches focuses on algebra, functions, calculus and proof, with a non-calculator paper. AI suits students heading into the social, life and applied sciences, while AA suits maths-heavy courses such as mathematics, physics and engineering.

What’s the difference between Math AI SL and HL?
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 Math AI exams?
Yes, technology is required in all Math AI exam papers.

Has the Math AI 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.