IB Math RevisionIB Math AA SL past papers
IB Mathematics: analysis and approaches, Standard 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. Details
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: SL students use the SL Papers 1 and 2.
Sit it under exam conditions: open the paper, press Start timer, press Finish when time is up, then mark it against the mark scheme. Timing is free, no sign-in; a free account saves your time and lets you enter your mark to track your progress.
Our AA SL practice and prediction papers
Written by us (not IB papers), free to use on this site.
SL AA Practice Paper 1 (interactive) Written by us
Prediction Papers Written by us
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The IB Math AA SL exam papers
| Paper | Format | Time | Marks | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | No technology allowed | 1 h 30 min | 80 | 40% |
| Paper 2 | Technology allowed (GDC) | 1 h 30 min | 80 | 40% |
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
- Sequences & Series
- Binomial Theorem
- Exponentials & Logarithms
- Surds, rationalising, and exact answers
- Quadratic Functions
Functions
- Functions: Domain, Range & Inverses
- Transformations of Graphs
- Exponential and logarithmic functions
- Rational functions and asymptotes
Geometry and Trigonometry
- The unit circle — exact values and identities
- Trigonometric Identities
- Solving Trigonometric Equations
- Sine Rule, Cosine Rule & Area
Statistics and Probability
Calculus
- Differentiation Rules
- Applications of Differentiation
- Integration
- Kinematics — displacement, velocity, acceleration
AA SL exam-style questions by topic → · Skill Builders → · Revision notes → · Mock exam guide → · Course →
Where AA SL marks are lost
From the IB subject reports we summarise on AA SL Examiner Insights, in our own words:
- Accuracy: 2 s.f. answers, early rounding and ignored accuracy instructions. Keep full calculator values (store them) until the very last line. Give final answers exactly or to 3 s.f. unless the question says otherwise, and when a given answer has more figures, show your value to more figures than that before rounding.
- "Show that": substituting or working back from the given answer. Start from the information in the question and write every step, left-hand side to right-hand side, until you reach the printed result, then say "as required". If you reject a value, give the reason in words.
- Missing brackets and arithmetic slips on Paper 1 (subtracting, squaring, simplifying). Put brackets round every expression you subtract or square, and expand them on a separate line. Work in fractions rather than long decimals on Paper 1, and simplify fully (integers as integers, surds simplified).
- Doing by hand what the GDC should do on Paper 2, and not writing what you solved. On Paper 2, use the GDC for roots, intersections, statistics, numerical derivatives and integrals. Write the equation or integral you entered in normal notation, then the value. Treat a 2 or 3 mark part as a sign that a quick GDC method is expected.
Formula booklet
Mathematics: analysis and approaches SL formula booklet · International Baccalaureate · First assessment 2021 (current edition)
SL and HL have separate booklets. The IB gives this one to schools (Programme Resource Centre) rather than posting it publicly, and a clean copy is provided in every SL 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 SL 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 SL?
2 exam papers: Paper 1 (1 h 30 min, 80 marks, 40% of the grade; no technology allowed); Paper 2 (1 h 30 min, 80 marks, 40% of the grade; technology allowed (GDC)). The internal assessment (exploration) is the other 20%.
Where are the IB Math AA SL 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 SL formula booklet. SL and HL have separate booklets. A clean copy is provided in every exam.
Other courses: IB Math AA HL past papers · IB Math AI SL past papers · IB Math AI HL past papers · All IB past papers · IB Math grade boundaries