IB Maths – Understanding AI vs AA
As part of the IB Diploma Programme, IB math is a mandatory choice. Students who want to be awarded an IB diploma cannot opt out of maths, it is a core requirement.
The IB maths programme offers students a choice of two distinct courses: Analysis and Approaches (AA), or Application and Interpretation (AI). There isn’t an easy or hard option between these two, both courses cater to different mathematical interests, strengths, and career pathways. AA and AI share a set of core topics, however, they both have their own specialist topics which separate them.
Understanding the differences between AI and AA is critical for making your choice to best suit your university ambitions and career goals. At Aegis Advisors, the tutors are well versed in both curricula, and they can offer you advice and guidance to help you to perform your best.
AI course content
Firstly, the AI course isn’t related to Artificial Intelligence! It stands for Application and Interpretation, and it’s all about using maths in real life scenarios to make sense of the world around us. In this course, topics like statistics and modelling will be the main focus, instead of more abstract concepts like calculus and mathematical proofs. AI maths will develop your ability to interpret and understand data, identify patterns, and apply mathematics in everyday scenarios.
Speciailist topics covered on the AI mathematics syllabus are:
- Voronoi diagrams
- Financial mathematics
- Hypothesis testing
- Graph theory
- Linear regression & correlation (HL only)
- Markov Chains (HL only)
AA course content
AA maths stands for Analysis and Approaches, and it’s often referred to as the classic maths track. This course involves taking a deep dive into algebra, calculus, and mathematical proofs. AA is all about developing your logical reasoning and your ability to tackle abstract maths problems with confidence. If you’re more into the problem solving of maths, and you’re keen to see how far maths can stretch your brain, then AA has the content for exactly that.
Specialist topics covered on the AA mathematics syllabus are:
- Algebraic proofs
- Trigonemetric identities
- Rational functions
- Inductive proofs (HL only)
- Advanced differentiation and integration (HL only)
Exams and assessments – what to expect
Both AI and AA are assessed through examinations and internal assessment. There is a Higher Level (HL) and Standard Level (SL) for both AI and AA, essentially creating four different IB math courses. The framework of AI and AA assessment is nearly identical, however, the HL and SL differ slightly. The HL course contains an extra exam, and covers more content for both AI and AA. Both AI and AA will also include an internal assessment, which applies regardless of whether you choose to do HL or SL.
| COMPONENT | ANALYSIS AND APPROACHES | APPLICATION AND INTERPRETATION |
| SL Paper 1 | Non‑calculator, mix of short & long questions. 40% | Calculator allowed, short questions only. 40% |
| SL Paper 2 | Calculator allowed, mix of short & long questions. 40% | Calculator allowed, long questions only. 40% |
| SL Internal Assessment (IA) | Mathematical exploration project. 20% | Mathematical exploration project. 20% |
| HL Paper 1 | Non‑calculator, short & long questions. 30% | Calculator allowed, short questions only. 30% |
| HL Paper 2 | Calculator allowed, short & long questions. 30% | Calculator allowed, long questions only. 30% |
| HL Paper 3 | Calculator allowed, two long questions only. 20% | Calculator allowed, two long questions only. 20% |
| HL Internal Assessment (IA) | Mathematical exploration project. 20% | Mathematical exploration project. 20% |
If you’d like to know more about what’s included in the internal assessment check out our guide on what the internal assessment involves and what kind of tips you might need to succeed in the internal assessment.
Which one is right for me?
If you’re the kind of student who enjoys abstract problem‑solving, algebra, and calculus, then Analysis and Approaches (AA) is the better fit. AA is the pathway for future engineers, physicists, computer scientists, and anyone heading into mathematically heavy fields.
On the other hand, if you prefer real‑world applications, statistics, and interpreting data with technology, then Applications and Interpretation (AI) will feel more natural. AI is better suited for students interested in social sciences, business, or accounting.
These are general guides, and you should check with a specific institution if you’re not sure which will best suit your desired course. For instance, some universities will prefer AA mathematics for Economics, and some will prefer AI instead.
If you’re wondering how to best revise for your IB maths exams, you can find some helpful hints here. Whether you choose to pursue the AI or AA specification, IB Maths is the gateway to many careers, and Aegis Advisors can tutor you to success in your IB maths.