Many people find it difficult to decide what math to study; you’re not alone! I thought it would be good to produce a super straightforward guide to the new IB math courses, whether you have selected your math subject for the upcoming school year or not. For a simple explanation, keep reading!
How do I decide?
Math: Analysis and Approaches and Math: Applications and Interpretation are the two options available. Both IB Math SL and HL levels will provide both subjects. HL math course is taught over 240 hours, compared to 150 hours for SL math courses (note, these class hours are spread over two years – phew!!!). Which level to pursue can be determined by how much time you plan to devote to a certain subject.
Do you truly want 240 hours of math, or would 150 hours be more appropriate for you? But the two classes’ approaches to mathematics are what set them apart (math’s joke, get it?). Here is a brief comparison of the two topics:
Mathematics: analysis and approaches
- A focus on algebraic techniques
- Strengthen your mathematical thinking abilities.
- Addressing both concrete and abstract mathematical puzzles
- For college students with an interest in economics, engineering, and physical sciences
Math’s: interpretation and Applications
- Modeling and statistics are highlighted
- Strengthens one’s ability to use mathematics in the real world
- Technology-based real-world mathematics problem solving
- For college students with an interest in design, business, engineering, statistics, the social sciences, the natural sciences, and medicine.
As we frequently advise pre-IB students, it’s a wonderful idea to consider what you might want to study at university while choosing your IB topics. Don’t be afraid to ask your math teacher or the IB Coordinator for guidance when deciding which of these math courses (and at which level) to study. Inquire about their thoughts on which math alternative could be the greatest if you have a certain subject or course in mind for university.
Topic Division:
The new math courses will each cover five themes. These are
- Numbers and algebra: Check out the excellent algebra coursework at Khan Academy if you like numbers.
- Functions
- Trigonometry and geometry
- Probability and statistics: you can visit our website Tribe topper to get the resources and quiz material.
- Calculus
Nonetheless, depending on the math course and level you’re taking, several topics may receive more attention than others. This useful graph gives an overview of each course and how the five topics are weighted in it:
Source: IBO
Further Resources
The graphic display calculator, often known as the legendary GDC (or the brick), may be familiar to some of you. Prepare yourself for at least two years of lugging this excessively large calculator around the classroom. Here are some of the famous guides for IB Math Mock Test Paper:
- Pearson’s IBDP Math Analysis and Approaches HL 2019
- Oxford IBDP Math Analysis and Approaches SL 2019
- Hodder IBDP Math Application and Interpretation SL
- Oxford IBDP Math Application and Interpretation SL
- Haese IBDP Math Application and Interpretation HL
Additional Support
Our tutors are here to assist you if you need assistance understanding these new math courses. All of our math tutors are knowledgeable about and comfortable with the modifications to the curriculum. This time, they’ll be able to give you a jump start with our Online Private Tuition Tribe topper.
I hope this blog post has provided you with a brief overview of the changes to the IB math curriculum. Do not hesitate to contact your math instructor or the IB Coordinator if you are still undecided about which of the new courses is best for you.