IB · Group 5 · Standard Level
Mathematics AA SL
The most popular Maths course in the IB, this is ideal for students who like algebra and problem-solving. With plenty of challenges, it’s important not to fall behind.
Where the marks go
Six things that cost students the grade.
Analysis and Approaches at Standard Level covers many different topics, with functions being the most fundamental one, and the one most needed to understand everything else.
Calculus
The differentiation rules
Particularly the chain rule, combined with the product or quotient rule, takes time to understand and even longer to perfect.
Number and algebra
Logarithms
Easy when you have the calculator, a lot harder when you don’t — the key is to actually understand what a logarithm is at its core.
Geometry and trigonometry
Unit circle and trigonometric equations
Even if you can find one solution, there are usually more of them, and you need to deeply understand the unit circle to get them.
Functions
Transformations and inverses
Many students struggle with understanding functions, which hinders general development as it underpins many other areas of the syllabus.
Statistics and probability
The binomial and normal distributions
What is the difference, and when do we use each? When do we use the inverse? Particularly Paper 2 tends to have long questions on these topics.
Assessment
Paper 1
The non-calculator paper, meaning you need to do a lot of algebra in a short amount of time. Many students lose simple marks in the working out when they are not careful.
A student on this course
“He is very patient and gentle in his learning… I had him for almost two years… I 100% recommend as he is very talented, flexible, and has a great personality!”
Try a trial class
Show me your biggest obstacle.
Functions, calculus, or something else entirely — perhaps the IA? Let’s meet for a free 30-minute class, no commitments, and we will tackle it together.