Frequently asked questions
What is IB Maths AI?
IB Mathematics Applications and Interpretation (AI) focuses on applying mathematics to real-world contexts — statistics, financial maths, modelling, networks and graph theory. AI HL includes differential equations, Voronoi diagrams and further statistical testing.
Who should take IB Maths AI?
Students planning to study Social Sciences, Business, Biology, Environmental Science, Psychology or other fields where applied mathematics and statistics are more important than abstract algebra and calculus. AI HL is appropriate for students applying to Economics at some universities.
Is IB Maths AI easier than IB Maths AA?
IB Maths AI SL is generally considered less demanding than AA SL in terms of abstract algebra and calculus. However, AI HL (with differential equations, further statistics and Voronoi diagrams) is a demanding course in its own right — particularly the statistical depth required.
What statistics topics appear in IB Maths AI?
IB Maths AI covers the binomial and normal distributions, hypothesis testing (t-test, chi-squared), correlation and regression, Spearman's rank correlation, and — at HL — more advanced statistical tests. The statistics in AI goes deeper than in AA.