IB Maths: How to Get Top Marks

Getting top marks in IB Maths takes more than memorising formulas. It requires understanding question structures, applying concepts in context, and presenting clear solutions. This guide shares tips for all IB Maths courses, AA and AI, at both SL and HL. From course selection to Internal Assessments and Papers 1, 2, and 3, you’ll find advice from teachers, examiners, and top students, along with strategies for clear working, avoiding mistakes, and using your GDC well.

Which IB Maths Course Is Right for You: AA vs AI, HL vs SL?

Choosing the right IB Maths course early on is key to managing your workload, aligning your strengths, and staying motivated throughout the two-year programme. It also helps ensure you meet university prerequisites and feel confident in your daily lessons.

Course-Specific Approaches: AA vs AI

The IB offers two separate Maths courses: Analysis and Approaches (AA) and Applications and Interpretation (AI).

Both courses cover the same five core topics: Number and Algebra, Functions, Geometry and Trigonometry, Statistics and Probability, and Calculus. However, they are taught with different approaches and emphasis.

Advanced Strategies for IB Maths AA (HL & SL)

AA is likely the better fit if you like solving equations, proving theorems, and thinking abstractly. It leans heavily into algebra, calculus, and formal methods of mathematical reasoning. It’s often the preferred choice for students aiming for university courses in mathematics, physics, or engineering.

In IB Maths AA, you can expect a strong focus on algebraic manipulation and proofs, regular non-calculator work especially in Paper 1, and advanced topics like complex numbers at Higher Level. The exam questions are generally more theoretical and require deep understanding.

Applied Approaches in IB Maths AI (HL & SL)

As explained in our blog IB Maths AA vs Maths AI: What’s The Difference?, the AI course is a better fit for students who prefer working with data, solving real-world problems, and using technology throughout their work. It emphasises modelling, statistics, and GDC use, making it well suited for biology, psychology, and economics.

In IB Maths AI, you will use your GDC in every paper and explore topics such as correlation, distributions, and simulations in detail. The course focuses on interpreting outputs from technology and places more weight on practical application than on algebraic theory.

Here’s a quick comparison:

IB Maths HL vs SL

The level you choose affects not just the depth of content, but also your exam structure, teaching hours, and expectations. To learn more about it, check our blog Which IB Maths Level Should You Choose? for a detailed comparison and practical advice.

Key differences to consider:

HL students face more rigorous content and a longer exam duration. HL AA students, in particular, must be ready for tough problem-solving questions in IB Maths HL Paper 1 and Paper 2. If you’re planning on applying for competitive STEM programmes, HL may be necessary.

Mastering the IB Maths Internal Assessment (IA)

The IA makes up 20 percent of your final grade, and a well-executed one can have a big impact, especially if your exam scores are near a grade boundary.

AA vs AI: Choosing a Topic That Aligns With the Syllabus

Pick a topic that aligns with the focus of your IB Maths course so you can show depth while staying within the expected structure.

• For AA: Choose topics that involve algebra, calculus, or proofs. Examples include optimisation problems, finding the area under curves, or using functions to model rates of change. These allow you to demonstrate abstract reasoning and detailed working.
  
• For AI: Go for real-world, data-based topics that involve statistical analysis or modelling. You could explore how a population changes over time, analyse trends in sports performance, or study economic patterns using regression and probability.

A strong IA topic should match your course content, offer enough mathematical depth for analysis, and still be manageable within the 12 to 20 page limit. Avoid overly complex topics that may limit your ability to explain your thinking clearly.

Structuring Your IA Like a Mathematician

Here’s a simple way to structure your IA so it reads clearly and meets IB criteria:

1. Introduction – Clearly state the problem or question you’re investigating. Give some context and make it easy for the reader to understand what your exploration is about.
2. Rationale – Explain why you chose this topic. Share your personal interest or connection to it, and how it relates to the syllabus or your future goals.
3. Mathematical Process – This is the core of your IA. Show all your calculations, methods, and reasoning step-by-step. Justify each technique you use and demonstrate a clear understanding of the mathematics involved.
4. Technology Use – Include screenshots or outputs from your GDC, Excel, or other software. Be sure to explain what the technology is doing and how it supports your exploration.
5. Interpretation – Go beyond the numbers. Reflect on what your results mean, discuss any patterns or limitations, and consider the reliability of your findings.
6. Conclusion – Summarise what you discovered and how effectively you answered your question. Keep it concise but reflective.
7. Bibliography – List any sources, websites, textbooks, or tools you used. Make sure to include your GDC model and any online datasets, if applicable.

Make sure each calculation is explained clearly. IB examiners want to see your thought process, not just the answers.

Targeted Strategies for Paper 1, Paper 2 & Paper 3 (HL Only)

Each paper in IB Maths is designed to assess different skills, from core algebraic understanding to applied problem-solving and investigative reasoning. Developing a specific approach for each one can make a significant difference to your final grade.

Below is a comparison table outlining the differences and main focus of these papers.

Here are some key strategies and practical tips to help you maximise your marks in each paper.

Mastering each paper requires understanding its unique demands, using the right tools effectively, and building exam confidence through regular, focused practice.

Universal Skills That Push You from a 5 to a 7

Regardless of which IB Maths course or level you take, certain habits and skills consistently separate top-scoring students from the rest. These are the things that go beyond just knowing the content. They’re about how you think, write, and reflect on your work.

Precision in Mathematical Communication

Being precise in your mathematical writing is essential. It helps prevent errors, shows the examiner you understand the question, and makes your logic easy to follow. Even strong mathematical work can lose marks if it’s poorly presented.

To improve:

• Use correct mathematical terminology and notation
• Label diagrams and graphs clearly and neatly
• Include appropriate units with your answers
• Define all variables and explain how they’re used in your working

IB examiners award marks not just for the final answer but for how clearly and correctly you communicate your process.

Writing Structured Solutions

Clear structure is especially important in extended-response questions, like those found in IB Maths SL Paper 2 or HL Paper 3. A well-organised response gives the examiner confidence in your method and makes it easier for them to award method marks.

Structure each response like this:

• Start by restating the question or what you’re solving
• List the known values and any assumptions you’re using
• Solve the problem step-by-step, with clear and logical working
• End with a concluding sentence that directly answers the question

This approach not only earns marks but also helps you avoid skipping steps or making careless mistakes.

What IB Examiners Look for in Working and Reasoning

In IB Maths, method marks are often given even if your final answer is incorrect. To get these, you need to show your full thinking process. Hiding your work or jumping to the final answer can cost you valuable marks.

You can maximise your marks by:

• Writing out intermediate steps clearly
• Justifying each formula or method you use
• Making your reasoning easy to follow and logically structured
• Including helpful visuals like diagrams, tables, or graphs when appropriate

From reviewing past IB Maths papers, it’s clear that students who skip steps or leave out explanations lose marks they could have earned.

Metacognition: Learn from Your Mistakes

One of the fastest ways to improve in IB Maths is by regularly reviewing your mistakes. Using past papers for practice and self-reflection helps you identify weak points and stop repeating the same errors.

Try this reflection method:

• Highlight incorrect answers and go back to understand why they were wrong
• Write a brief explanation of the mistake. Was it a missed step, a rounding error, or a misunderstanding?
• Redo the question a few days later without looking at your notes
• Track patterns in your errors, such as forgetting notation or misreading the question

Making this part of your weekly study routine builds stronger habits and trains your brain to catch mistakes before they happen. Over time, this can be the difference between a 5 and a 7.

Boost Your IB Maths Grade with Our Expert Tutors

IB Maths is challenging, especially at Higher Level, and it’s normal for students to ask whether the course is hard. It can be difficult, but success is possible with the right strategies, consistent practice, and expert guidance.

At TutorsPlus, our IB Maths experts are certified teachers and examiners who know how to help students reach top marks. Whether navigating the IB Maths Analysis and Approaches syllabus, tackling IB Maths SL Paper 2, or planning your IA, we offer personalised one-on-one tuition, focused revision support, and help with GDC use and complex questions. 

“We are extremely grateful for having Meera as our Maths tutor. Her method of explaining and teaching is very effective, to understand the subject better.” 

“Andrea explains things very well and is very engaged. She listens to me and figures out where my weaknesses lie and helps me well.”

Like these satisfied clients, we can definitely help you improve your studies and eventually secure top marks in your IB Maths.

Final Thoughts

Getting top marks in IB Maths doesn’t come from memorising the textbook. It comes from thinking like a mathematician, practising purposefully, and learning to show your reasoning clearly and accurately.

Whether you aim to master IB Maths AA SL Paper 1, push your HL score higher, or fine-tune your Internal Assessment, remember that progress comes with consistency and strategy.

And if you need extra support, our expert tutors are just one click away. Reach out to us at +41 022 731 8148 or .