'The IB DP Mathematics: applications and interpretation course recognizes the increasing role that mathematics and technology play in a diverse range of fields in a data-rich world. As such, it emphasizes the meaning of mathematics in context by focusing on topics that are often used as applications or in mathematical modelling. To give this understanding a firm base, this course includes topics that are traditionally part of a pre-university mathematics course such as calculus and statistics. Students are encouraged to solve real-world problems, construct and communicate this mathematically and interpret the conclusions or generalizations' (IBO Subject Brief(
Applications and Interpretations is designed for applying mathematical models and for describing the real world. The syllabus is focussed on techniques that are more geared towards analysing data and engineering problems that would be tackled using technology, with a focus on techniques and topics with applications in other subjects such as life and social sciences.
As this is a new course, be very careful in terms of practice and referring to the syllabus to ensure that you are coveing the required material. This is particularly the case for the guidance and clarification section of the syllabus, which will lay out the kind of skills expected. The specimen paper will give an example of how a full exam will look like, but draw on old papers from HL, SL, ST, and the options, for relevant questions and textbooks for possible questions on the new material for practice.
Maths A&I is one of the two new branches of maths in the IB, with first examinations in 2021. These supercede the HL/SL/Studies model. While Maths A&I at Standard Level is based mainly on the older maths Studies course, it also draws in aspects of the SL course and the old HL statistics option. The Higher Level course includes further material from the old statistics option, as well as the sets and matrices and discrete mathematics options. Finally totally new material has also been added to the course, and the examinations will be particularly geared towards problem-solving. With Maths AI now includes many advanced concepts, it is no longer the "you're no good at maths" choice!
Maths A&I was designed to give a good grounding in statistics and applications to complex problems that are made tractable with technology. The statistics lend themselves particularly to data analysis in the social sciences such as Economics, as well as in the life and human sciences. The complex problems with sets, matrices, and graph theory support engineering and computer science. However, as this course is new, make sure to check on your desired university's website as to which course of maths they will accept, and they may still have the mindset of A&A = old maths HL/SL, A&I = Maths Studies
Applications and Interpretations is designed for applying mathematical models and for describing the real world. The syllabus is focussed on techniques that are more geared towards analysing data and engineering problems that would be tackled using technology, with a focus on techniques and topics with applications in other subjects such as life and social sciences.
As this is a new course, be very careful in terms of practice and referring to the syllabus to ensure that you are coveing the required material. This is particularly the case for the guidance and clarification section of the syllabus, which will lay out the kind of skills expected. The specimen paper will give an example of how a full exam will look like, but draw on old papers from HL, SL, ST, and the options, for relevant questions and textbooks for possible questions on the new material for practice.
Maths A&I was designed to give a good grounding in statistics and applications to complex problems that are made tractable with technology. The statistics lend themselves particularly to data analysis in the social sciences such as Economics, as well as in the life and human sciences. The complex problems with sets, matrices, and graph theory support engineering and computer science. However, as this course is new, make sure to check on your desired university's website as to which course of maths they will accept, and they may still have the mindset of A&A = old maths HL/SL, A&I = Maths Studies