IB Maths Past Paper Overviews

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2020 November Maths Studies – Paper 1

Paper 2 (Click here to scroll down)

Paper 1 – Question 1

Topic: Number & Algebra

Sub Topic: Number Skills

Difficulty: Easy

Marks: 6

Link to Video Solution

Question 1 in Paper 1 of the IB Math Studies November 2020 exams involves number skills, assessing your understanding of rounding, scientific notation and percentage error.

2020 Mathematics Studies Paper 1 November TZ0 Question 1

Question Reference Code: 20N.1.studies.TZ0.1

N20/5/MATSD/SP1/ENG/TZ0/XX

Paper 1 – Question 2

Topic: Mathematical Models

Sub Topic: Linear Models

Difficulty: Easy

Marks: 6

Link to Video Solution

Question two presents a linear model, and you are required to interpret the two components (variable and constant) and answer some straight forward questions using the model.

2020 Mathematics Studies Paper 1 November TZ0 Question 2

Question Reference Code: 20N.1.studies.TZ0.2

N20/5/MATSD/SP1/ENG/TZ0/XX

Paper 1 – Question 3

Topic: Descritpive Statistics

Difficulty: Easy

Marks: 6

Link to Video Solution

Question 3 is a Descriptive Statistics question, involving grouped data tables and histograms. A grouped data table is provided in the question and you are asked to identify the modal class, use your GDC to find the standard deviation, and then use the data to draw a histogram.

2020 Mathematics Studies Paper 1 November TZ0 Question 3

Question Reference Code: 20N.1.studies.TZ0.3

N20/5/MATSD/SP1/ENG/TZ0/XX

Paper 1 – Question 4

Topic: Mathematical Models

Difficulty: Easy

Marks: 6

Link to Video Solution

Question 4 in Paper 1 looks challenging at first inspection, however it is quite easy and fast if you are confident using the graphing section of your calculator. A function and its graph is provided and you are asked to identify the coordinates of the x-intercept (zero), local minimum, and the intersection with another function provided in part c.

2020 Mathematics Studies Paper 1 November TZ0 Question 4

Question Reference Code: 20N.1.studies.TZ0.4

N20/5/MATSD/SP1/ENG/TZ0/XX

Paper 1 – Question 5

Topic: Number & Algebra

Sub Topic: Currency Conversion

Difficulty: Medium

Marks: 6

Link to Video Solution

Question 5 is all about currency conversion. No tricks or challenged to this question (no commission charged), so it directly assesses your understanding of how to convert between currencies given an exchange rate.

2020 Mathematics Studies Paper 1 November TZ0 Question 5

Question Reference Code: 20N.1.studies.TZ0.5

N20/5/MATSD/SP1/ENG/TZ0/XX

Paper 1 – Question 6

Topic: Logic, Sets & Probability

Sub Topic: Probability

Difficulty: Medium

Marks: 6

Link to Video Solution

Question 6 is a moderately difficult probability question, assessing your understanding of constructing and using tree diagrams, and conditional probability.

2020 Mathematics Studies Paper 1 November TZ0 Question 6

Question Reference Code: 20N.1.studies.TZ0.6

N20/5/MATSD/SP1/ENG/TZ0/XX

Paper 1 – Question 7

Topics:  Discriptive Statistics & Mathematical Models

Sub Topics: Mean, Median, Mode & Solving Simultaneous Equations

Difficulty: Medium/Hard

Marks: 6

Link to Video Solution

Question 7 is an interesting and somewhat unusual question, involving both descriptive statistics and mathematical models. The earlier parts assess your understanding of how to calculate the median and mode of a data set, then the later parts involve setting up two linear equations and then solving them.

2020 Mathematics Studies Paper 1 November TZ0 Question 7

Question Reference Code: 20N.1.studies.TZ0.7

N20/5/MATSD/SP1/ENG/TZ0/XX

Paper 1 – Question 8

Topic: Number & Algebra

Sub Topic: Compound Interest

Difficulty: Easy

Marks: 6

Link to Video Solution

Question 8 is a straight forward compound interest question, assessing your understanding of how to use the compound interest formula to find the future value (part a) and present value (part b). 

2020 Mathematics Studies Paper 1 November TZ0 Question 8

Question Reference Code: 20N.1.studies.TZ0.8

N20/5/MATSD/SP1/ENG/TZ0/XX

Paper 1 – Question 9

Topic: Logic, Sets & Probability

Sub Topic: Logic

Difficulty: Medium

Marks: 6

Link to Video Solution

Question 9 is all about logic and truth tables. You are asked to write out a compound proposition involving equivalence and negation, complete two columns of a truth table, and finally, determine if a particular compound proposition is either tautology, contradiction or neither (and justify why).

2020 Mathematics Studies Paper 1 November TZ0 Question 9

Question Reference Code: 20N.1.studies.TZ0.X9

N20/5/MATSD/SP1/ENG/TZ0/XX

Paper 1 – Question 10

Topic: Statistical Application

Sub Topic: Hypothesis Testing

Difficulty: Medium

Marks: 6

Link to Video Solution

Question 10 involves a Chi-squared test of independence. You are asked to identify the null hypothesis, find the expected value of a particular cell in the data table, and finally, when given the p-value, state the conclusion for the test. 

2020 Mathematics Studies Paper 1 November TZ0 Question 10

Question Reference Code: 20N.1.studies.TZ0.10

N20/5/MATSD/SP1/ENG/TZ0/XX

Paper 1 – Question 11

Topic: Mathematical Models

Sub Topic: Quadratic Models

Difficulty: Medium

Marks: 6

Link to Video Solution

Question 11 assesses your understanding of quadratic functions. The graph of a quadratic is given, with the coordinates of its turning point. Using this, you are asked to interpret the values of the a, b and c values of the standard form of a quadratic. 

2020 Mathematics Studies Paper 1 November TZ0 Question 11

Question Reference Code: 20N.1.studies.TZ0.11

N20/5/MATSD/SP1/ENG/TZ0/XX

Paper 1 – Question 12

Topic: Mathematical Models

Sub Topic: Exponential Models

Difficulty: Medium

Marks: 6

Link to Video Solution

Question 13 in Paper 1 involves an exponential mathematical model. It is a common type of IB maths studies exponential model question. You are firstly asked to calculate an unknown constant in the function, and then use the completed function to find certain values.

2020 Mathematics Studies Paper 1 November TZ0 Question 12

Question Reference Code: 20N.1.studies.TZ0.12

N20/5/MATSD/SP1/ENG/TZ0/XX

Paper 1 – Question 13

Topic: Differential Calculus

Sub Topic: Gradients of Tangents & Normals

Difficulty: Hard

Marks: 6

Link to Video Solution

Question 13 is a challenging differential calculus question that assesses your understanding of the relationship between a function and its derivative.

2020 Mathematics Studies Paper 1 November TZ0 Question 13

Question Reference Code: 20N.1.studies.TZ0.13

N20/5/MATSD/SP1/ENG/TZ0/XX

Paper 1 – Question 14

Topic: Logic, Sets & Probability

Sub Topic: Probability

Difficulty: Hard

Marks: 6

Link to Video Solution

Question 14 is a challenigng probability question involving a tree diagram and conditional probability. 

2020 Mathematics Studies Paper 1 November TZ0 Question 14

Question Reference Code: 20N.1.studies.TZ0.14

N20/5/MATSD/SP1/ENG/TZ0/XX

Paper 1 – Question 15

Topic: Number & Algebra

Sub Topic: Sequences & Series

Difficulty: Medium

Marks: 6

Link to Video Solution

Question 15, the final question in Paper 1, involves geometric sequences and series. You are asked to use the second and fifth term to calculate the common ratio, the first term, and finally, the number of terms in the sequence given the total sum of terms.

2020 Mathematics Studies Paper 1 November TZ0 Question 15

Question Reference Code: 20N.1.studies.TZ0.15

N20/5/MATSD/SP1/ENG/TZ0/XX

2020 November Maths Studies – Paper 2

Paper 2 – Question 1

Topic: Statistical Application

Sub Topic:  Bivariate Statistics

Difficulty: Medium

Marks: A19

Link to Video Solution

Question 1 in Paper 2 of the November 2020 IB Mathematics Studies exams is a very common Paper 2 bivariate statistics question. A table of data is provided and you are required to progress through a series of questions involving scatter plots, correlation and the line of regression equation.

2020 Mathematics Studies Paper 2 November TZ0 Question 1

Question Reference Code: 20N.2.studies.TZ0.1

N19/5/MATSD/SP2/ENG/TZ0/XX

Paper 2 – Question 2

Topic: Logic, Sets & Probability

Sub Topic: Venn Diagrams

Difficulty: Medium

Marks: 12

Link to Video Solution

Question 2 in Paper 2 involves a 3-set Venn diagram. You are required to use this Venn diagram to answer a series of interpretation and probability questions.

2020 Mathematics Studies Paper 2 November TZ0 Question 2

Question Reference Code: 20N.2.studies.TZ0.2

N19/5/MATSD/SP2/ENG/TZ0/XX

Paper 2 – Question 3

Topic: Geometry & Trigonometry

Sub Topic: Trigonometry

Difficulty: Medium

Marks: 15

Link to Video Solution

Question 3 is a common IB Maths studies Paper 2 trigonometry style question. You are provided a diagram of a non-right angled triangle, and you are required to solve a series of questions involving the sine and cosine rule, and area of a triangle rule.

2020 Mathematics Studies Paper 2 November TZ0 Question 3

Question Reference Code: 20N.2.studies.TZ0.3

N20/5/MATSD/SP2/ENG/TZ0/XX

 

Paper 2 – Question 4

Topic 1: Geometry & Trigonometry

Topic 2: Differential Calculus

Sub Topics: Geometry of 3D Shapes

Sub Topics: Optimisation

Difficulty: Hard

Marks: 11

Link to Video Solution

Question 4 in Paper 2 involves the optimisation of a 3D shape using differential calculus. These type of questions are quite common in recent Paper 2’s, usually question 5 or 6. In this question, the shape is a cone with a fixed slant height. You are required to answer a series of questions involving optimising the dimensions of the cone to maximise the volume.

2020 Mathematics Studies Paper 2 November TZ0 Question 4

Question Reference Code: 20N.2.studies.TZ0.4

N20/5/MATSD/SP2/ENG/TZ0/XX

Paper 2 – Question 5

Topic 1: Geometry & Trigonometry

Topic 2: Number & Algebra

Sub Topic 1: Geometry of 3D Shapes

Sub Topic 2: Sequences & Series

Difficulty: Hard

Marks: 16

Link to Video Solution

Question 5 starts out as a geometry question, asking to find some of the dimensions and total volume of a trapezoidal prism. The question then changes course and turns into an arithmetic sequences and series question, where you are assessed on your understanding of how to find terms in a sequence and sum of terms.

2020 Mathematics Studies Paper 2 November TZ0 Question 5

Question Reference Code: 20N.2.studies.TZ0.5

N20/5/MATSD/SP2/ENG/TZ0/XX

Paper 2 – Question 6

Topic: Statistical Application

Sub Topic: Normal Distribution

Difficulty: Hard

Marks: 17

Link to Video Solution

Question 6 of Paper 2, the final question for the November 2020 IB Mathematics Studies exams, is all about the normal distribution. The question progresses through a range of different questions; sketching a normal distribution curve, finding probabilities, using probabilities to find values etc. Solving these questions requires a strong understanding of the normal distribution and related functions on your Graphics Display Calculator.  A challenging finish to the exams.

2020 Mathematics Studies Paper 2 November TZ0 Question 6

Question Reference Code: 20N.2.studies.TZ0.6

N20/5/MATSD/SP2/ENG/TZ0/XX