Course hub · Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches SL

IB Maths AA SL: free cheatsheets, paper analysis and study guides

Everything for IB Maths AA SL in one place: a free cheatsheet for each of the 10 topics, the marks-weighted analysis of every recent paper, the guidebook, IA help and predicted papers.

  • 10 topics
  • 2 exam papers
  • IA worth 20%
  • Free to read

Start here

Free10 topic cheatsheetsEvery formula, method and common trap. FreePast-paper analysisWhere the marks have gone since 2021. GuidebookIB Maths AA SL e-bookEvery question type, with a free chapter. IA helpMaths IA guideCriteria in plain words, ideas and outlines. Set 1 freePredicted papersFull papers with markschemes.

All 10 IB Maths AA SL topics

Grouped by theme. Each one opens its free cheatsheet.

The IB Maths AA SL sections are tagged inside each cheatsheet, so you can skip the HL-only parts.

Number & Algebra

SLSequences & SeriesArithmetic and geometric sequences, infinite GP convergence, compound interest, GDC TVM solver, Σ-notation.SLBinomial TheoremBinomial expansion, the general term, generalised binomial series for |x| < 1, links to partial fractions and Maclaurin.

Functions

SLFunctionsDomain & range, composite and inverse functions, transformations, asymptotes, oblique asymptotes (HL), modulus.SLExponentials & LogarithmsLaws of exponents and logs, change of base, natural log, exponential equations, hidden quadratics in log form.

Geometry & Trigonometry

SLTrigonometryExact values, ASTC quadrants, identities, equations, sine and cosine rule, 3D trigonometry, inverse trig, identity proofs.

Calculus

SLDifferentiationAll derivative rules, implicit differentiation, L'Hôpital's rule, optimisation, related rates, kinematics, GDC syntax.SLIntegrationStandard integrals, substitution, integration by parts, definite integrals, areas, volumes of revolution.

Statistics & Probability

SLStatisticsData types, sampling, central tendency & dispersion, regression and correlation, scatter plots, GDC stats syntax.SLProbabilityConditional probability, independence, mutually exclusive events, tree diagrams, Venn diagrams, Bayes' theorem (HL).SLProbability DistributionsDiscrete and continuous random variables, expected value & variance, Binomial distribution, Normal distribution, z-scores.

The exam

How IB Maths AA SL is assessed

  • Paper 1 No calculator. Short and long questions across the course.
  • Paper 2 Calculator allowed. Short and long questions across the course.
  • Internal assessment 20% of the grade. Read the IA guide.

See how the marks are spread across topics in recent papers.

The guidebook

Mathematics Analysis and Approaches SL for the IB Diploma

One volume and 12 chapters for the full Standard Level course, ending with a chapter on exam technique.

See the book

Free sample chapters

IB Maths AA SL questions

How many topics are in IB Maths AA SL?

This hub covers 10 topics, grouped into the course's five themes. Each has its own free cheatsheet.

Which papers do IB Maths AA SL students sit?

Paper 1: No calculator. Short and long questions across the course. Paper 2: Calculator allowed. Short and long questions across the course. The internal assessment makes up the rest of the grade.

Is the formula booklet allowed in every paper?

Yes, the IB provides its formula booklet in every maths paper. Each cheatsheet flags the results that are not in it and must be learned.

Are the cheatsheets free?

Yes, every cheatsheet and the paper analysis are free to read without signing in.

Who writes these pages?

Ejaz Ahmad and the Photon Academy team, IB teachers since 2015. Every example and question is original.

In Singapore?

Learn IB Maths AA SL live

The same teachers run small classes in Singapore. See live classes at Photon Academy in Singapore.