IB Math RevisionIB Math AA HL past papers
IB Mathematics: analysis and approaches, Higher Level. The IB sells its past papers and markschemes, so the only free official papers are the specimen papers. Here they are, with where to buy past papers, the paper format, and our own practice papers you can sit on screen with a timer.
Papers are © the International Baccalaureate Organization; we link to the official copies. The IB does not publish past papers for free. Its specimen papers are free on ibo.org; past papers and markschemes are sold through the official IB store (Follett).
Official IB papers
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Analysis and approaches: specimen papers (SL and HL, Papers 1-3) Maths AA Specimen
IB past papers and markschemes (May and November sessions)
The specimen document covers SL and HL: HL students use the HL Papers 1, 2 and 3.
Sit it under exam conditions: open the paper, press Start timer, press Finish when time is up, then mark it against the mark scheme and enter your mark to track your progress. Timing and saving marks need a free account.
Our AA HL practice and prediction papers
Written by us (not IB papers), free to use on this site.
HL AA Practice Paper 1 (interactive) Written by us
HL AA Practice Paper 2 (interactive) Written by us
HL AA Paper 3 practice Written by us
Predicted papers Written by us
The IB Math AA HL exam papers
| Paper | Format | Time | Marks | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | No calculator | 2 h | 110 | 30% |
| Paper 2 | Calculator (GDC) required | 2 h | 110 | 30% |
| Paper 3 | Calculator; two extended problem-solving questions | 1 h | 55 | 20% |
The internal assessment (the mathematical exploration) is the remaining 20%. First assessment 2021 syllabus.
Practise these topics
Every paper can test all five syllabus topics. Each link opens a page to learn the sub-topic and practise it.
Number and Algebra
- Proof by induction — the 3-step method
- Binomial theorem for rational and negative exponents
- Complex numbers — Cartesian, polar, and Euler forms
- De Moivre's theorem and roots of unity
- Systems of equations and partial fractions
Functions
- Rational functions — asymptotes, holes, and sketches
- Inequalities — rational and modulus
- Polynomial division and the factor theorem
- Logarithm laws and change of base
- Sequences, series, and induction proofs
Geometry and Trigonometry
- Compound and double-angle formulas
- Trigonometric equations — general solutions
- 3D vectors — dot product, cross product, and applications
- Lines and planes in 3D — intersections and distances
- Vector proofs and geometric arguments
Statistics and Probability
- Conditional probability and Bayes' theorem
- Discrete probability distributions — expectation and variance
- Normal distribution and standardisation
- Binomial distribution and normal approximation
- Poisson distribution and rare events
Calculus
Formula booklet
Mathematics: analysis and approaches formula booklet · International Baccalaureate · First assessment 2021 (current edition)
The IB gives this booklet to schools (Programme Resource Centre) rather than posting it publicly, and a clean copy is provided in every exam. Ask your teacher for the current version; the link goes to the IB's DP Mathematics page.
Questions students ask
Are IB Math AA HL past papers free?
Not officially. The IB sells past papers and markschemes through its official store (opens in a new tab); your school may also have them. The only free official papers are the specimen papers on ibo.org, linked above. Copies on other websites are not licensed by the IB.
How many papers are there in IB Math AA HL?
3 exam papers: Paper 1 (2 h, 110 marks, 30% of the grade; no calculator); Paper 2 (2 h, 110 marks, 30% of the grade; calculator (gdc) required); Paper 3 (1 h, 55 marks, 20% of the grade; calculator; two extended problem-solving questions). The internal assessment (exploration) is the other 20%.
Where are the IB Math AA HL grade boundaries?
The IB publishes grade boundaries to schools after each session (in the subject reports on its Programme Resource Centre), not as a public web page. Ask your teacher for the latest ones: we don't quote numbers we can't verify.
Which formula booklet do I get in the exam?
The analysis and approaches formula booklet (the same booklet for SL and HL; HL students use the extra HL sections). A clean copy is provided in every exam.
Other courses: IB Math AA SL past papers · IB Math AI SL past papers · IB Math AI HL past papers · All IB past papers