Strategies to handle your IBDP Math AA Exam this year

Taking up a curriculum that hasn't been well evaluated is challenging. Nevertheless, you were successful! Congratulations. Your IBDP journey has finally come to an end. Now it's just the Finals.

The IB mathematics curriculum has undergone significant changes over the past two years, and there aren't many tools accessible to help students get ready for this new syllabus.

Blen is here to reveal the subjects that are most likely to be covered in the November 2022 Exams based on the knowledge of IB Examiners and teachers. It's time to study more strategically and concentrate exclusively on the areas that are most likely to come up in your final exams because not all of the concepts you learn in the IBDP Mathematics AA course will be addressed equally.

In the afternoon of the 31st Oct 2022, you will take IB Mathematics AA Paper 1 and then immediately the next day morning of the 1st of November 2022, you will face Paper 2. Those who opted for the HL course will face Paper 3 on the 8th of November 2022. Each paper has its own peculiarities and patterns to look for:

IBDP Mathematics AA Paper 1 Strategy:

Facts:

  • Mathematics AA SL has 6 questions in Section A and 3 questions in Section B to be solved in 90 Minutes
  • Mathematics AA HL has 9 questions in Section A and 3 questions in Section B to be solved in 120 Minutes
  • No calculator is allowed but IBDP Mathematics AA Formula Booklet is there for you.
  • Section A questions are 5-7 marks each and tend to be easy whereas Section B questions are 13-18 marks each and are challenging.

Predicted Concepts in SL:

  • Topic 1: Geometric Sequence, Binomial Theorem
  • Topic 2: Composite and Inverse Function
  • Topic 3: Trigonometric Identities
  • Topic 4: Venn Diagram, Probability, Cumulative Frequency
  • Topic 5: Targets and Normal, Kinematics

Predicted Concepts in HL:

  • Topic 1: Arithmetic Sequence, Complex Number, Proofs
  • Topic 2: Rational Function, Polynomial
  • Topic 3: Trigonometric Functions, Vectors
  • Topic 4: Probability Tree, Probability Density
  • Topic 5: Integration by Parts, Differential Equations, Maclurin Series

Word of Advice:

  • If you are unsure of working, attempt it in pencil on the side of the sheet and then write in pen once sure.
  • Look closely at numerical answers, it’s usually a simple combination.
  • Solve the questions from more confident topics first.
  • It’s challenging and be prepared probably you won’t finish it.
  • Look for the information in the previous parts of the question, maybe you already have it.                                                                                                                                                       

IBDP Mathematics AA Paper 2 Strategy:

Facts:

  • Mathematics AA SL has 6 questions in Section A and 3 questions in Section B to be solved in 90 Minutes
  • Mathematics AA HL has 9 questions in Section A and 3 questions in Section B to be solved in 120 Minutes
  • This time calculator is allowed and IBDP Mathematics AA Formula Booklet is there for you.
  • It’s challenging and be prepared probably you won’t finish it.

Predicted Concepts in SL:

  • Topic 1: Binomial Theorem
  • Topic 2: Exponential Function, Transformation
  • Topic 3: Cosine Rule, Trigonometric Graph
  • Topic 4: Tree Probability, Normal Distribution, Regression Line
  • Topic 5: Max-Min Optimization, Volume of Revolution

Predicted Concepts in HL:

  • Topic 1: Compound Interest, Complex
  • Topic 2: Quadratic Function, Transformation
  • Topic 3: Double Angle Rule, Trigonometric Graph, Vectors
  • Topic 4: Bivariate Statistics, Binomial Distribution, Regression Line
  • Topic 5: Differential Equations, Kinematics

Word of Advice:

  • Focus on your strengths within these frequently investigated topics as listed above.
  • Take advantage of the calculator and don’t waste time on manual calculations.
  • Use the ‘Ans’ button of your calculator rather than manually rounding off the intermediate steps.
  • Double check what you type on the calculator and be sure of the brackets.

IBDP Mathematics AA HL Paper 3 Strategy:

Facts:

  • Only DP Mathematics HL has Paper 3 which contains 2-3 questions summing up to  55 marks.
  • Calculator is allowed along with IBDP Mathematics AI Formula Booklet to help you.
  • It’s challenging and be prepared probably you won’t finish it.

Predicted Topics in HL:

  • Topic 2: Quadratic Function, Transformation
  • Topic 3: Trigonometric Graph, Vectors
  • Topic 4: Probability and Binomial Distribution
  • Topic 5: Differentiation, Volume of Revolution with Maclaurin Series

Word of Advice:

  • Look for the information in the previous parts of the question, maybe you already have it.
  • Use the ‘Ans’ button of your calculator rather than manually rounding off the intermediate steps.

Have faith in yourself

When revising, be strategic and focus on the most crucial ideas. Predictive Papers have been produced by Blen to give you that extra boost before the big test! Avoid missing it. Never forget that having confidence in yourself and being self-assured is the most important thing.

You are more knowledgeable than you believe! Luck to you!

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