IB Mathematics Applications & Interpretation SL
Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation at Standard Level is predominantly centered on the practical applications of mathematical concepts. It's specifically tailored for students who have a keen interest in leveraging mathematics to better comprehend the world we live in. The course also emphasizes the increasing utilization of technology and data in elucidating mathematical procedures.
Course Structure and Content
The Standard Level AI course is divided into five broad topics: Number & Algebra, Functions, Geometry & Trigonometry, Statistics & Probability, and Calculus. The handling of the subjects is intended to stimulate their utilization in realistic contexts as well as to facilitate hypothesis, investigation, and technological analysis for interpretation. To this end, there is an emphasis in the Applications SL course on statistics and probability - using distributions, hypothesis testing, and functions for modeling and describing real-world phenomena.
At the end of the program, all AI SL students sit paper 1 and paper 2. Both papers can cover the full breadth of the curriculum. In AI Standard Level, a graphic display calculator is required for both papers.
Paper 1 is a 90 minute short-response paper with questions typically ranging from 5 marks to 9 marks.
Paper 2 is a 90 minute extended-response paper with questions typically ranging from 14 to 18 marks. Paper 2 contains a narrower range of topics than paper 1, testing deeper understanding and allowing more scope for reasoning and inquiry.
All SL applications and interpretation students are also required to submit an internal assessment - a written piece of work known as the exploration. This is an opportunity for students to apply mathematics learned in the course to a topic of interest to them.
Tips for Success
- Always ask yourself if the magnitude of a solution makes sense in the context of the question.
- Particularly in long questions with multiple parts, look for information or solutions from previous parts to help you.
- Accurate and concise mathematical communication is vital - show all your steps of working clearly.
More IB Math Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is IB Math AI SL?
IB Mathematics Applications and Interpretation (AI) Standard Level (SL) is one of the four math courses introduced in the current IB Mathematics curriculum (2021-2027). The AI SL course was designed by the IB to cater for ‘citizens in our future world’, whereby students can harness the power of technology to solve real life practical problems. The Applications and Interpretation SL course should be considered by students who are moderate at mathematics, and are likely to pursue courses and pathways that don’t rely on mathematics after their IB Diploma Program (law, arts, etc.)
What are the assessment items in the IB Math AI SL course?
The IB Mathematics Applications and Interpretation SL course consists of three assessment items that contribute to a students overall score for the course. There are two exam papers, each worth 40%. Paper 1 (short response questions) and Paper 2 (long response questions) both encourage students to utilize their graphical display calculators. The third assessment item, worth the remaining 20% of the marks, is a ‘Mathematical Exploration’, where students complete a written assignment involving the investigation of an area of mathematics that interests them.
How should students prepare for IB Math AI SL exams?
There are two phases students progress through in their two-year IB Math AI SL course: the learning phase and the revision phase. The learning phase occurs in class, with their teacher and textbooks, where students first encounter and explore the mathematical concepts and consolidate their understanding by solving questions specific to that concept. The revision phase, which is what Revision Village is specifically designed for, is when students consolidate their understanding of all of the concepts in the AI SL course and appreciate how the concepts are connected. In the revision phase, the most effective strategy is to practice lots of IB Math AI SL exam questions, to build confidence, reach mastery, and be prepared for the AI SL examinations.
How does Revision Village support IB Math AI SL students?
Revision Village is specifically designed to support IB students in the revision phase of their IB Mathematics Applications and Interpretation Standard Level course. Revision Village has four main sections, each for different revision purposes: 1) Questionbank: a large library of IB Math AI SL exam questions categorised by topic and ordered by difficulty, 2) Practice Exams: a carefully designed set of quizzes and mock papers for students to use in their final phase of revision, 3) Past Paper Video Solutions: step-by-step video tutorials of past AI SL exam questions, taught by experienced IB Teachers, and 4) Key Concepts: short concise videos that recap the important theory in the AI SL course. Revision Village is the perfect place for IB Students to learn, practice and prepare for their IB Mathematics exam stress-free, with all of the resources they need in one place.