Ultimate Battle | Math AA Vs Math AI?

It's not easy for everyone to choose their math courses for the IB diploma. Choosing between the two possibilities for a math course might actually be a very difficult decision for students enrolled in the IB program.

But don't worry—we have everything figured out for you. No need to fret anymore.

This article will serve as your comprehensive guide for making decisions and outlining the elements to take into account prior to enrolling in a mathematics course.

Courses that are available for choosing

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

For Math AA (SL) and AI (SL), a total of 150 hours of classes are covered in each while in AA (HL) & AI (HL) Math 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:

Functions
Statistics and probability
Geometry and trigonometry
Number and algebra
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:

Mathematics AA (SL)