IB Diploma

IB Maths AA syllabus: SL and HL

6 min read · updated 2026-10-13

Mathematics: analysis and approaches (AA) is the IB maths course for students who enjoy algebra, proof and calculus. SL is taught over 150 hours and HL over 240, both covering the same five topics, with HL going further in each.

The five topics and their hours

Recommended teaching hours (SL / HL):

✓ Number and algebra: 19 / 39 hours (HL adds proof by induction and contradiction, complex numbers, and systems of equations)
✓ Functions: 21 / 32 hours (HL adds polynomial and rational functions in depth, and inequalities)
✓ Geometry and trigonometry: 25 / 51 hours (HL adds vectors in 3D, lines and planes, and reciprocal trig functions)
✓ Statistics and probability: 27 / 33 hours (HL adds Bayes' theorem and continuous random variables)
✓ Calculus: 28 / 55 hours (HL adds limits, differential equations, Maclaurin series and further integration)
✓ Plus 30 hours for investigation, problem-solving and modelling skills, and the exploration

How the topics map to the papers

Every topic can appear on every paper. Paper 1 (no calculator) favours algebraic and analytic techniques; Paper 2 (calculator) includes more modelling, statistics and numerical work; HL Paper 3 is two extended problem-solving questions that build from familiar steps to unfamiliar territory.

AA or AI?

Applications and interpretation (AI) puts more weight on modelling, statistics and technology. University courses in maths, physics, engineering and economics often ask for AA HL, so check entry requirements before choosing.

How to study each topic

Work through the syllabus in the order your school teaches it, but revisit earlier topics every few weeks: the papers mix topics, and calculus questions routinely need functions, algebra and trigonometry.

✓ After each topic, do ten exam-style questions without notes
✓ Make a one-page summary with the formulas not in the booklet and the common question types
✓ Every month, a mixed set of questions from all topics covered so far

Choosing between SL and HL

HL covers every SL topic in more depth plus Paper 3, and takes 240 hours instead of 150. Students who are comfortable with algebra and enjoy proof usually thrive at HL; those who need maths mainly as a tool often do better at SL with a higher grade. Check university requirements first: some courses ask for HL specifically.

FAQs

How many hours is IB Maths AA?＋

150 teaching hours at SL and 240 at HL.

What does HL add to AA?＋

Proof, complex numbers, 3D vectors, Bayes' theorem, continuous distributions, further calculus including differential equations and Maclaurin series, and Paper 3.

Which AA topic is biggest?＋

Calculus: 28 hours at SL and 55 at HL.

Is AA harder than AI?＋

AA is more algebraic and abstract; AI is more applied. Difficulty depends on the student's strengths.