Mathematics: Applications & Interpretation, Higher Level
AI SL's applied focus, extended with matrices, vectors, complex numbers, differential equations and graph theory. Heavy on modelling.
Who this course is for
For students who want a quantitative degree path (engineering, computer science, economics, data science) without the formal proof emphasis of AA HL.
Topics covered
- Number and algebra (incl. matrices, complex numbers)
- Functions (incl. logistic models)
- Geometry and trigonometry (incl. vectors, Voronoi)
- Statistics and probability (incl. Poisson, Markov chains)
- Calculus (incl. ODEs, volume of revolution)
Across the two years
Foundations of the course are taught here. New techniques are introduced and consolidated; students sit a mock paper at the end of the year and submit a first draft of their Exploration topic.
Course content is completed by the spring of Year 13. The Exploration is finalised in the autumn term, and the rest of the year is given over to revision, past-paper practice, and the final examinations.
Assessment overview
Each course is examined externally (papers) plus an Internal Assessment (the Exploration).
External examination: 80% · Internal assessment: 20%
| Component | Duration | Weight | Calculator | What it tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | 120 minutes | 30% | GDC required | Short-response questions across the whole syllabus. |
| Paper 2 | 120 minutes | 30% | GDC required | Extended-response questions in real-world contexts. |
| Paper 3 | 60 minutes | 20% | GDC required | Two long problem-solving questions that combine ideas across topics. Requires sustained reasoning. |
| Internal Assessment — Exploration | approx. 20 hours over 2 years | 20% | GDC permitted | A 12–20 page mathematical exploration on a topic of the student's choice. Students develop, apply and reflect on mathematical ideas, marked against the IB criteria for presentation, communication, personal engagement, reflection, and use of mathematics. |