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IB MATH AI vs AA
IB Math: AA VS AI?
IB math AA , as in Analysis and approaches, or IB Math AI ( Application and interpretation), they are totally different subjects, and if you choose the math wrongly, you will put your future at stake. In the old curriculum ( last exam 2020 November ) , it is very easy to decide which math level to go, if you are weak at math , then go for Math studies SL, and middle level or you would like to go for science degree, then you can choose IB math SL. For math intensive degree like physics, engineering IB higher math is intuitively a must for that. But IB new syllabus starting 2021, we have IB Math AA and Math AI , and each of them has SL and HL level, so which one to choose? HKExcel-IB math specialist will reveal EVERYTHING you need to know in this article.
When is the first exam for IB math AA and Math AI?
The first exam for these two subjects is 2021 May , and the whole curriculum will last for 10 years, which means it will end 2028 in IB, and IBO will restructure the curriculum again.
Who will be affected under new curriculum?
If you are in class of 2020, you will still be having the old curriculum exam, so you do not need to worry about the new change. However, if you are having your IB math exam in November 2020, e.g. Australian international schools, then you need to be careful about new curriculum. If you fail the exam and would like to retake, you will have to take the NEW Exam, which is entirely different from the old syllabus, so make sure you work super hard for your IB math exam if you are 2020 candidate!
For class of 2021,the first exam is in May, so every IB students start their IBDP first year in 2019 , will have to face the change of new curriculum for IB math AA or AI.
What is difference between IB Math AA & AI Curriculum?
First of all, we need to at least know the major difference between the two curriculum. IB math AA focus more on Algebra, problem solving, calculus, and pure math, that means the emphasis is mainly on analytics skills, so you can expect it has harder or more abstract questions in the exam. However IB math AI has topics that Math AA does not, for example Voronoi diagram and some statistics and probability topic like Poisson distribution, and also matrices which only shows up in IB math AI. So you can not say IB math AA is harder than IB math AI , or the other way round, as they are just like Bio and chem, different subjects.
SL VS HL
As now we have SL and HL for both IB math AA and IB math AI, so what is the difference between the two?
Standard level math does not mean the questions will be easier, but its just the coverage of topics will be less. For example, IB Math AI SL has 13 chapters while HL has 16 to work on.
So conclusively there will be overlap chapters in SL and HL in the same subject, i.e. Math AA SL overlaps some chapters in IB Math AA HL. One interesting part to mention about is that , even thought IB math AL and AA are different subject , they do have FIVE big topics in common, Both courses cover the same 5 topics but with varying emphasis in each area: number and algebra, functions, geometry and trigonometry, statics and probability, and calculus.
University requirement
IB math is always the NUMBER ONE subject that you need to choose right in your IB journey, as most of the universities they require specific math level and subject, as minimum requirement for the enrolment, So IB students have to choose wisely and carefully.
Discipline: Engineering , physics, computer
IB math requirement: IB math AA HL
If you are interested in the above degrees, you have to choose IB math AA in higher level, Top universities like Harvard, cambridge, oxford , Imperial College London , MIT , they do not accept IB candidate with IB math AA SL or IB Math AI, so even you end up with IB 45/45 , but with wrong IB math subject, you would even stand a chance to get in those universities:
Discipline: Medical Science, Economics
IB math requirement: IB math AA or AI HL
For science or economics students, you will be required for higher level math ( NOT SL MATH), as the discipline requires students to demonstrate good quality of analytical skills and also prefer students with strong logical mind. Imagine one day you becomes the Finance head of a company, or a research specialist in medical engineering firm, you need to equip yourself with good knowledge on statistics, applied math and also analysis based on calculus.
Discipline: Law, general business, arts ,language, social science
IB math requirement: No specific math requirement
For IB students who are good with languages and words, you don't need to force yourself to take IB math AA or AI HL , as those are not required in the discipline. However for competitive degree like Bachelor of Law, students are required to score at least 38/45 in the IB diploma or above, in order to stand a chance to get accepted by top universities in Hong Kong, UK, US , Australia , Canada etc. For example, London School of economics, for Law discipline, it requires at least 38/45 in IB , and the higher level has to be 7, 6, 6.
P.S
So is there any details which list out all the topics and chapters in IB math AA and IB math AI, yes, our IB math expert has already made the video for you, where you can check below. In the video you can check see exactly what are the topics included in the curriculum.
IB Math AI SL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqDBA8YyO2Y
IB math AI HL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhOqdww3n-M
IB math AA SL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjCAv7A-nEU
IB math AA HL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWhYBgKfRpA
Last but not least, if you are interested in acing IB math AA or IB math AI, please do contact our staff NOW to arrange your FREE TRIAL lesson! We hope to be part of your IB journey and help you ace your IB math AA/AI exam!




Register for a FREE trial lesson to let us help you achieve your dream IB Math grade!
How will our IB Math tutor help you in the free trial?
- Our IB Math tutor will help you master the IB Math topic that you find most challenging
- You will learn the most updated and practical IB math exam skills related to the topic
- You will master all the IB exam questions that can show up for the issue.
- You will receive a copy of our complete, concise and exam-based IB math notes for the topic
- You will receive a copy of our IB math Question bank, including all question types that can show up for the matter.
FREE trial IB Math classes are available in our centres or online through Skype!
Fill in the form below to book your IB Math FREE trial now!
Available subjects:
IB Math Analysis SL & HL, IB Math Application SL & HL, IB Math HL, IB Math SL, IB Math Studies
Locations of centres under HKExcel Group:
(Hong Kong) Room 702, Honest Building, 9-11 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
(Kowloon) Island Centre, 470 Reclamation Street, Mong Kok




Register for a FREE trial lesson to let us help you achieve your dream IB Math grade!
How will our IB Math tutor help you in the free trial?
- Our IB Math tutor will help you master the IB Math topic that you find most challenging
- You will learn the most updated and effective IB math exam skills related to the topic
- You will master all the IB exam questions that can show up for the topic
- You will receive a copy of our complete, concise and exam-based IB math notes for the topic
- You will receive a copy of our IB math Question bank, including all question types that can show up for the topic
FREE trial IB Math classes are available in our centres or online through Skype!
Fill in the form below to book your IB Math FREE trial now!
Available subjects:
IB Math Analysis SL & HL, IB Math Application SL & HL, IB Math HL, IB Math SL , IB Math Studies
Locations of centres under HKExcel Group:
(Hong Kong) Room 702, Honest Building, 9-11 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
(Kowloon) Island Centre, 470 Reclamation Street, Mong Kok