IB Math AA HL & SL — May 2026 Topic Predictions | Sev7n
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📐 Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches (AA)

IB Math AA HL & SL
Topic Prediction Guide

Paper 1, Paper 2 & Paper 3 (HL) subtopic frequency analysis for IBDP May 2026. Based on past papers 2021–2024.

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4Years Analysed
5Topics Mapped
HL & SLBoth Levels
P1·P2·P3All Papers
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Home› IB Math AA HL & SL Topic Prediction May 2026

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You are viewing: IB Math AA Higher Level (HL) All 3 papers shown. Paper 1 (no calc, 2 hrs) + Paper 2 (calc, 2 hrs) + Paper 3 (calc, 75 min, HL only). Weightings: P1=30% · P2=30% · P3=20% · IA=20%.
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Paper 1 — Topic 1: Number & Algebra (Free Preview)
Duration: 2 hrs (HL) / 90 min (SL) | Marks: 110 (HL) / 80 (SL) | Weighting: 30% (HL) / 40% (SL) | Section A: short response + Section B: extended response | No calculator permitted — tests algebraic manipulation and exact reasoning
⚠ No calculator means algebra must be flawless. Paper 1 heavily rewards exact form answers, neat working, and algebraic manipulation. Topics that appear here must be workable without GDC — calculus, trigonometric identities, logarithms, sequences, proof (HL), complex numbers (HL).

Paper 1 subtopic frequency — Topic 1: Number & Algebra preview

IB MATH AA — PAPER 1 (NO CALCULATOR) SUBTOPIC FREQUENCY | May 2021–2024 | SL & HL
Free preview: Topic 1 (Number & Algebra) · Topics 2–5 + Paper 2 + Paper 3 locked below
#TopicSubtopic M21M22M23M24 FreqAvg MarksHL only?P1 or P2?May 2026
TOPIC 1: NUMBER & ALGEBRA
1.1Num & AlgSequences & series — arithmetic/geometric, sigma notation, applications✔✔✔✔48–12SL&HLP1+P2⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
1.2Num & AlgLogarithms & exponents — laws of logs, solving log/exponential equations✔✔✔✔46–10SL&HLP1⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
1.3Num & AlgBinomial theorem — expansion, finding specific terms, Pascal’s triangle✔✔✔—35–8SL&HLP1⭐⭐⭐⭐
1.4Num & AlgComplex numbers — Cartesian form, modulus, argument, Argand diagram, De Moivre’s HL✔✔✔✔410–15HLP1+P2⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ HL
1.5Num & AlgProof — induction, contradiction, counterexample, direct proof HL✔✔✔✔48–12HLP1⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ HL
1.6Num & AlgSystems of linear equations — 3×3, row reduction, unique/no/infinite solutions HL✔—✔✔36–9HLP1⭐⭐⭐⭐ HL

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Paper 1 — Topics 2, 3, 4, 5 (Full Analysis)
Topic 1 (Number & Algebra) is shown above as free preview. Now showing the remaining 4 topics.
#TopicSubtopic M21M22M23M24 FreqAvg MarksHL only?P1 or P2?May 2026
TOPIC 2: FUNCTIONS
2.1FunctionsFunction concepts — domain, range, composite, inverse, transformations, sketching✔✔✔✔48–12SL&HLP1+P2⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2.2FunctionsQuadratic functions — completing the square, discriminant, roots, vertex form✔✔✔✔45–9SL&HLP1⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2.3FunctionsExponential & logarithmic functions — graphs, transformations, solving equations✔✔✔✔46–10SL&HLP1+P2⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2.4FunctionsRational functions — reciprocal, partial fractions, asymptotes, sketching HL✔✔—✔36–9HLP1⭐⭐⭐⭐ HL
TOPIC 3: GEOMETRY & TRIGONOMETRY
3.1Geo & TrigCircular functions — unit circle, trig ratios, radian measure, arc/sector✔✔✔✔48–12SL&HLP1⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3.2Geo & TrigTrig identities & equations — Pythagorean, double angle, compound angle, solving✔✔✔✔48–12SL&HLP1⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ CERTAIN
3.3Geo & TrigVectors — 3D, dot product, cross product, lines, planes, angles, intersections HL✔✔✔✔412–18HLP1+P2⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ HL
TOPIC 4: STATISTICS & PROBABILITY
4.1Stats & ProbProbability — basic rules, tree diagrams, Venn diagrams, conditional probability✔✔✔✔45–8SL&HLP1+P2⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4.2Stats & ProbBinomial distribution — P(X=k), mean, variance, applications✔✔✔—35–8SL&HLP1+P2⭐⭐⭐⭐
4.3Stats & ProbNormal distribution — standardising (z-scores), P(a<X<b), inverse normal✔✔✔✔45–8SL&HLP2⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
TOPIC 5: CALCULUS — highest mark allocation in AA
5.1CalculusDifferentiation — chain, product, quotient rules; trig, log, exponential derivatives✔✔✔✔410–16SL&HLP1+P2⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ CERTAIN
5.2CalculusApplications of differentiation — tangents, normals, optimisation, curve sketching, inflection✔✔✔✔410–15SL&HLP1+P2⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ CERTAIN
5.3CalculusIntegration — anti-differentiation rules, substitution, definite integral, area under curve✔✔✔✔410–16SL&HLP1+P2⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ CERTAIN
5.4CalculusDifferential equations — first order, variables separable, integrating factor, Euler’s method HL✔✔✔✔412–18HLP1+P2⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ HL
5.5CalculusMaclaurin series — Taylor/Maclaurin expansion, convergence, approximation HL✔—✔✔38–12HLP1+P2⭐⭐⭐⭐ HL
5.6CalculusL’Hôpital’s rule & limits — indeterminate forms, limits of functions HL✔✔—✔35–8HLP1+P2⭐⭐⭐⭐ HL

Based on IB Math AA past papers May 2021–2024 | All 5 topics examinable in Paper 1 | HL-only rows greyed in SL view

📊 Mark allocation in Paper 1 (AA): Calculus consistently carries the most marks (25–35 marks across P1). Functions and Geometry/Trigonometry typically 20–25 marks each. Number & Algebra 15–20 marks. Statistics & Probability 10–15 marks. HL students should expect HL-only subtopics (complex numbers, proof, vectors, DEs, Maclaurin) to account for 35–45 marks of the 110-mark HL paper.

🔴 Top 5 subtopics — learn these first

  • Differentiation rules — chain/product/quotient + all standard derivatives. Appears in every P1 and P2.
  • Integration — substitution, definite integral, area. Every paper, always marks available.
  • Trig identities & equations — compound angle, double angle, solving in intervals. Every P1.
  • Functions — composite, inverse, transformations. Always in Section A.
  • Complex numbers (HL) — De Moivre’s, polar form. 10–15 marks every HL paper.

📝 Paper 1 exam technique

  • Show all algebraic working — method marks even if final answer wrong
  • Write answers in exact form (e.g. √2, π/3, ln2) unless asked to round
  • If stuck: factorise, substitute, or try working backwards
  • Section A = 5–6 questions × ~8 marks. Section B = 3–4 questions × 15–20 marks.
  • Section B questions often integrate multiple topics — spot the connection
  • HL: proof questions require clear logical structure and formal notation
🧮
Paper 2 — Calculator Allowed
Duration: 2 hrs (HL) / 90 min (SL) | Marks: 110 (HL) / 80 (SL) | Weighting: 30% (HL) / 40% (SL) | Section A: short response + Section B: extended response | GDC (graphic display calculator) required throughout
🧮 Calculator allowed but mathematical reasoning still required. Paper 2 rewards using GDC intelligently — for solving equations, graphing, numerical integration, normal distribution. However, working must still be shown and answers interpreted. Topics that are hard to do without GDC (normal distribution, regression, numerical methods) concentrate here.

Topics that dominate Paper 2 (vs Paper 1)

  • Normal distribution — always Paper 2 (requires GDC); P(a<X<b), inverse, standardising
  • Vectors (HL) — 3D geometry, lines & planes; GDC helps with systems
  • Differential equations (HL) — Euler’s method is calculator-heavy
  • Modelling with functions — fitting data, interpreting parameters in context
  • Integration (area/volume) — numerical integration via GDC, area between curves
  • Kinematics — velocity, acceleration, displacement via calculus

Paper 2 exam technique

  • Use GDC to verify answers from Part A before moving to Part B
  • For Section B long questions: read all parts first to understand the full problem
  • Even with GDC: always write the equation/setup before pressing buttons
  • Sketch graphs — label axes, intercepts, asymptotes, key points
  • Interpret answers in context — examiners reward meaning, not just numbers
  • Time split: ~50 min Section A, ~40 min Section B (SL). HL adds ~25 min proportionally.

Paper 2 subtopic frequency & mark allocation — May 2021–2024

IB MATH AA — PAPER 2 (CALCULATOR) SUBTOPIC FREQUENCY | May 2021–2024 | SL & HL
GDC required | Section A = short response | Section B = extended response | All 5 topics examinable | SL: HL-only rows greyed
#TopicSubtopic M21M22M23M24 FreqAvg MarksHL only?May 2026
CALCULUS (highest marks in Paper 2)
5.1CalculusDifferentiation applications — optimisation, related rates, kinematics (v=x’, a=v’)✔✔✔✔410–18SL&HL⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ CERTAIN
5.2CalculusIntegration — area between curves, volume of revolution (HL), definite integrals with GDC✔✔✔✔410–16SL&HL⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ CERTAIN
5.3CalculusDifferential equations — Euler’s method, slope fields; numerical solutions with GDC HL✔✔✔✔412–18HL⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ HL
STATISTICS & PROBABILITY
4.1StatsNormal distribution — P(a<X<b) with GDC, inverse normal, standardisation✔✔✔✔48–12SL&HL⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4.2StatsBinomial distribution — calculating probabilities, GDC binomcdf/binompdf, applications✔✔✔✔46–10SL&HL⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4.3StatsHypothesis testing — z-test, t-test, chi-squared; p-values, significance HL✔✔✔—38–12HL⭐⭐⭐⭐ HL
GEOMETRY & TRIGONOMETRY
3.1VectorsVectors — 3D lines, planes, intersections, angle between planes, distance from point to plane HL✔✔✔✔414–20HL⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ HL
3.2TrigonometrySolving trigonometric equations graphically with GDC; applications in context✔—✔✔36–10SL&HL⭐⭐⭐⭐
FUNCTIONS
2.1FunctionsModelling with functions — exponential growth/decay, fitting to data, interpreting parameters✔✔✔✔410–16SL&HL⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2.2FunctionsGraphical analysis — intersections, zeros, max/min using GDC, sketching complex functions✔✔✔✔46–10SL&HL⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🔒

Paper 3 is HL only

AA SL students sit Paper 1 and Paper 2 only. Paper 3 is exclusive to HL. Switch to HL to see Paper 3 guidance.

🔬
Paper 3 — Problem Solving (HL Only)
Duration: 75 minutes | Marks: 55 | Weighting: 20% (HL) | 2 compulsory extended problem-solving questions | Calculator allowed | Covers unfamiliar contexts — requires reasoning, not just recall
🔬 Paper 3 is unlike any other paper. It presents 2 extended problems in unfamiliar contexts. Each question guides you through a mathematical investigation — you build up a result across 8–12 sub-parts. Topics are drawn from across the full HL syllabus but combined in novel ways. You cannot “predict” exact topics — but you can predict the types of mathematical reasoning required.

What Paper 3 tests

  • Extended mathematical reasoning across a novel problem
  • Connecting multiple topics in one investigation (e.g. calculus + proof + complex numbers)
  • Following mathematical arguments and extending them
  • Constructing and justifying mathematical claims
  • Calculator used throughout — GDC fluency essential
  • No marks for “correct answer alone” — working and reasoning are assessed

Paper 3 strategy

  • Read both questions fully first — choose which to attempt first
  • Each question is staged: early parts are accessible, later parts are harder
  • If stuck on a sub-part: use the result they give you (even if wrong) and move forward
  • Show ALL reasoning — method marks available even if final answer is wrong
  • 75 minutes for ~55 marks = ~80 seconds per mark — pace carefully
  • Past Paper 3 themes: calculus investigation, sequences & series proof, complex number geometry, DE modelling, proof by induction combined with calculus

Paper 3 historical themes — May 2021–2024

IB MATH AA HL — PAPER 3 THEME HISTORY | May 2021–2024 | HL ONLY
2 compulsory extended problems per paper | Topics span multiple syllabus areas | Unfamiliar contexts tested | Calculator allowed
YearQ1 ThemePrimary Topics Q1 Q2 ThemePrimary Topics Q2 HL Focus AreasMay 2026 Signal
M21Calculus Investigation — functional equations and derivativesCalculus, FunctionsSequences — proving and extending series patternsNum & Algebra, ProofProof HLCalculus + proof likely again
M22Complex number geometry — loci, transformations, Argand diagram proofsComplex Nos, GeoDifferential equations — modelling with DEs, slope fields, Euler’sCalculus (DEs), ModellingComplex HL + DEs HLComplex nos / DEs very likely
M23Integration investigation — discovering new integration techniquesCalculus, FunctionsProof by induction combined with combinatoricsProof, Num & AlgebraProof HLInduction / combinatorics possible
M24Vectors investigation — geometric properties in 3D, planes, distance formulaeVectors, Geo & TrigMaclaurin series — deriving and applying series expansionsCalculus (Maclaurin), AlgebraVectors HL + Maclaurin HLMaclaurin / vectors alternate years
🔬 May 2026 Paper 3 prediction: Based on the 4-year pattern, the most likely themes are: (1) Complex number investigation OR Proof by induction, (2) Differential equations modelling OR Maclaurin series. Prepare: proof by induction (sequences/series/divisibility), complex numbers (De Moivre’s + geometry), DEs (variables separable + Euler’s + modelling), Maclaurin series (standard expansions + convergence). Know all HL-only calculus deeply.

About IB Math AA

IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (AA) is the pure mathematics pathway. It emphasises algebraic reasoning, proof, and calculus. AA HL is the most demanding of the four IB Maths courses, suitable for students planning engineering, physics, pure mathematics or competitive economics degrees.

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AA HL vs SL — key differences

  • Paper 1: SL = 90 min / 80 marks / 40% | HL = 2 hrs / 110 marks / 30%
  • Paper 2: Same structure, same calculator rule, more marks at HL
  • Paper 3: HL only — 75 min / 55 marks / 20%
  • HL-only content: Complex numbers, proof, 3D vectors, DEs, Maclaurin, L’Hôpital, hypothesis testing
  • Teaching hours: 150 hrs SL vs 240 hrs HL

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© 2025 Sev7n IB Tuitions | sev7n.co.in | tok2022.com | Based on IB Math AA Subject Guide (First Assessment 2021). Not affiliated with the IBO.

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