An Ultimate guide for choosing Maths Subjects for IB diploma

Picking your Maths subjects in the IB diploma is not a straightforward job for all.  In fact, Students who study the IB program encounter a lot of difficulties while deciding which Maths subject choice should be selected from the two options.

But don't worry; we have sorted this all for you. No need to worry more.

This article will be your complete guide on what to choose and which factors should be considered before taking a Maths course.

Courses Available for the selection

In Group 5 of the IBDP subject offer, four courses are allowed for Mathematics:

1) Maths: Analysis and Approaches SL
2) Maths: Analysis and Approaches HL
3) Maths: Applications and Interpretation SL
4) Maths: Applications and Interpretation HL

For Maths AA (SL) and AI (SL), a total of 150 hours of classes are covered in each while in AA (HL) & AI (HL) Maths courses, 240 hours of classes are covered for the entire two years of the program. 

Before taking any of the options a student should consider what skills and efforts are required in each course and what is the discrepancy among these four courses whether you should opt for this or that.

Topics comprised in the four courses:

  1. Functions
  2. Statistics and probability 
  3. Geometry and trigonometry
  4. Number and algebra 
  5. Calculus

Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches SL/HL

  • Focusing analytical approaches.
  • Generates creative abilities in analytical thinking.
  • Emphasis on practical and complex mathematical problem-solving.
  • Outlined mainly for the students pursuing arithmetic, engineering, or physical sciences subjects.

Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation SL/HL

  • Focusing statistical models.
  • Creating sharp analytical skills that can be implemented in the real world.
  • Emphasis on the use of technological application for actual analytical problem-solving.
  • Designed mainly for the students pursuing natural and social sciences, medical, business, design, and psychology or statistics.

Here is the quick summary of the subtopics covered:

Maths AA (SL) 

  • Deductive reasoning
  • Regression
  • Basic Calculus, Numbers, Geometry, Trigonometry.

Maths AA (HL)

  • Binomial theorem
  • In-depth Partial Fractions
  • Rational functions
  • Differential equations
  • Maclaurin series
  • Sampling, Correlation, and Regression

 Maths AI (SL)

  • Sigma Notation   
  • Systems of equations
  • Basic integration
  • Probability distribution
  • Function modeling

 Maths AI (HL)

  • Complex numbers
  • Eigenvectors and Eigenvalues
  • Graph theory
  • Kinematics
  • Derivatives (1st & 2nd)

Factors one should consider before making a selection 

  • Your Maths abilities and the benefit of the preferred course in the future.
  • Your interest in the course.
  • Your academic plans.
  • Your choice of career.
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