LaTeX & Mathematical Communication for the IB Maths IA
You don't have to write the IB Maths IA in LaTeX, but the maths in it must be typed correctly: Criterion B, Mathematical communication, is worth 4 of the 20 marks and rewards correct, consistent notation. Ambiguous notation and variable names that change halfway through are the quickest way to lose those marks; LaTeX, or the equation editor in Google Docs or Word, is the quickest way to get them right.
Next step: check your draft's notation and the other four criteria free with the IA self-check — guided questions give a rough band for each criterion, no upload. For feedback on your own draft, the IA package (€39 once) gives you 5 AI feedback credits and every annotated exemplar in full.
Why it matters
- Presentation (Criterion A) and Mathematical communication (Criterion B) are worth 4 marks each: 8 of the 20 IA marks.
- Maths typeset with LaTeX reads like a textbook, so whoever marks your IA can follow the working without decoding it. Typed x² + 2x + 1 in a plain font is harder to read; LaTeX x^2 + 2x + 1 sets it properly.
- The LaTeX an IA needs is a short list (below), and it is a skill you'll keep for university maths, physics, economics and engineering.
Examiner signals
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Notation consistencyPick one symbol per quantity and stick with it. If you defined the population as P(t) in section 1, don't switch to N(t) in section 3.
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Formula booklet quotationsWhen you use a booklet formula, say so: “using the compound interest formula FV = PV(1 + r/100k)kn from the formula booklet”, and define every letter.
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Diagram + labelsEvery graph must have axes labelled, units stated, and a caption sentence beneath (“Figure 2. Population growth 2020-2035 predicted by the exponential model.”). Unlabelled graphs cost marks under Criteria A and B.
Quick reference The LaTeX you need for an IA
- Fraction:
\frac{a}{b}. Power:x^{2}. Subscript:u_{n}. Square root:\sqrt{x}. - Greek letters:
\theta,\pi,\mu,\sigma,\lambda. - Sum:
\sum_{i=1}^{n} x_i. Integral:\int_{a}^{b} f(x)\,dx. Derivative:\frac{dy}{dx}. - Symbols:
\approx(≈),\le(≤),\ge(≥),\ne(≠),\times(×). - Inline maths goes between
$ … $; a displayed equation between$$ … $$. Number the equations you refer to later.
Interactive fluency practice for LaTeX & Mathematical Communication for the IB Maths IA
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FAQ
Do I have to write my IB IA in LaTeX?
No — you can use Google Docs, Word, Pages, or even hand-write it (typed is far easier to read and to check). But your equations should be typeset. Google Docs has an equation editor (Insert → Equation) that accepts LaTeX-style commands, which is enough for most IAs.
What are the essential LaTeX commands for an IB IA?
You need: fractions \frac{a}{b}, powers x^2, subscripts x_1, integrals \int_0^1, summations \sum_{n=1}^N, Greek letters \pi \theta \mu \sigma, and inline vs display maths ($ … $ vs $$ … $$). That covers essentially every IA.
How much does communication actually count in the IB Maths IA?
Presentation is Criterion A (4 marks) and Mathematical communication is Criterion B (4 marks): together 8 of the 20 marks. Consistent notation, correct symbols, defined variables and labelled graphs are what both reward; they cannot make up for mathematics that is missing or wrong.