IB Math RevisionIB Math AI SL past papers
IB Mathematics: applications and interpretation, 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
-
Applications and interpretation: specimen papers (SL and HL, Papers 1-3) Maths AI 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 AI SL practice and prediction papers
Written by us (not IB papers), free to use on this site.
SL AI Practice Paper 1 (interactive) Written by us
SL AI Practice Paper 2 (interactive) Written by us
Prediction Papers Written by us
Sit our interactive practice papers, marked instantly, and keep your timed scores. Free account, no card. Join free
The IB Math AI SL exam papers
| Paper | Format | Time | Marks | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Technology allowed (GDC); short-response questions | 1 h 30 min | 80 | 40% |
| Paper 2 | Technology allowed (GDC); extended-response questions | 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
- Scientific notation and estimation
- Sequences & Series
- Financial Maths
- Exponents and logarithms in real-world models
Functions
- Linear functions and modelling
- Quadratic functions — vertex, roots, and applications
- Exponential Models
- Sinusoidal models for periodic data
- Piecewise functions and modelling
Geometry and Trigonometry
- 3D geometry — volume, surface area, and packaging
- Sine rule vs cosine rule — the decision tree
- Voronoi Diagrams
- 3D trigonometry — angle of elevation and depression
- Bearings and navigation problems
Statistics and Probability
- Chi-Squared Tests
- Correlation & Regression
- Normal & Binomial Distributions
- Conditional probability with tree diagrams
- Expected value and fair games
Calculus
AI SL exam-style questions by topic → · Skill Builders → · Revision notes → · Mock exam guide → · Course →
Where AI SL marks are lost
From the IB subject reports we summarise on AI SL Examiner Insights, in our own words:
- Accuracy: 2 s.f. answers, early rounding, and ignoring the accuracy asked for. Write the full calculator value, then round once: 3 s.f. unless the question says otherwise (keep trailing zeros). Read each question for its own rounding instruction and for context (whole years, whole items).
- No working shown: bare GDC answers and calculator notation. Write the formula or distribution first (X ~ B(n, p), P(X ≤ 3) = …), then the unrounded value, then the rounded answer. Convert calculator E-notation to a × 10ⁿ. Cross out the attempt you do not want marked.
- χ² and t-tests: hypotheses, the comparison and the conclusion in context. Use a fixed layout: H₀ and H₁ in symbols with the population parameter (μ₁ = μ₂; μ₁ > μ₂) or in words naming both variables for χ²; the p-value; "p < 0.05, so reject H₀" (or not); then one sentence in context.
- Finance: compound-interest formula with regular payments, TVM signs and periods. With regular payments, use the TVM solver. Money in and money out have opposite signs. N counts payments (years × payments per year). Write down every value you enter (N, I%, PV, PMT, FV, P/Y, C/Y), so a slip can still earn method marks.
Formula booklet
Mathematics: applications and interpretation 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 AI 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 AI SL?
2 exam papers: Paper 1 (1 h 30 min, 80 marks, 40% of the grade; technology allowed (GDC); short-response questions); Paper 2 (1 h 30 min, 80 marks, 40% of the grade; technology allowed (GDC); extended-response questions). The internal assessment (exploration) is the other 20%.
Where are the IB Math AI 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 applications and interpretation SL formula booklet. SL and HL have separate booklets. A clean copy is provided in every exam.
Other courses: IB Math AA SL past papers · IB Math AA HL past papers · IB Math AI HL past papers · All IB past papers · IB Math grade boundaries