IB Maths AI Formula Booklet: Contents and How to Use It

What it is and which papers allow it

The Mathematics: applications and interpretation formula booklet is for the course first assessed in 2021. The IB specimen papers state that a clean copy is required for the paper, and schools obtain it from the IB.

Unlike Analysis and Approaches, this course expects a graphic display calculator for its papers, so the booklet and the calculator work as a pair. HL students also sit an additional paper. Check the assessment section of the current guide for exact paper rules and calculator conditions for your session.

What is inside

The booklet starts with prior learning, such as areas and volumes of common shapes, distance and midpoint. It then follows the syllabus: number and algebra, functions, geometry and trigonometry, statistics and probability, and calculus.

Number and algebra includes sequences and series and the compound interest formula. Statistics and probability covers probability rules, the expected value formula and results for the binomial distribution. HL-only formulae, for example for combining random variables, are separated from those both levels use.

These are illustrations, not a full list. Read the official copy so you know exactly what is and is not given.

Because the booklet follows the syllabus order, it also works as a revision checklist. If you meet a formula you do not recognise, that is a sign a topic needs more work before the exam.

What is not in it

In this course much of the work is done with a calculator, so the booklet is only part of what you need.

• Calculator procedures, such as finding regression lines, solving equations and finance functions.
• Which statistical test or model suits a situation, and its conditions.
• Interpretation: explaining what an answer means in context, which earns many marks.
• Basic geometry and algebra facts you are expected to know already.
• Sensible rounding and units for real-world answers.

HL and SL

Both levels use the same booklet. Formulae for HL-only content are separated. HL students cover more topics, so a larger share of the booklet applies to them.

Make sure you know which blocks apply to your level, and practise using only those during timed work.

Because HL students have more content to cover, a quick first read of the HL-only blocks early in the course makes later topics feel less new. SL students can use the same time to rehearse calculator skills.

How to practise

Practise with a clean copy of the booklet and your exam calculator together. Many marks depend on writing down the formula, the substitution and the interpreted answer, so show each step.

Start with topic questions to learn the layout, then sit whole papers against the clock. Afterwards, sort lost marks into three types: the formula was not known, the calculator was used wrongly, or the answer was not interpreted in context.

PastPaperPrep has real IB Maths AI questions you can filter by topic, whole papers free to open without signing up, and worked explanations on many questions.

IB Maths AI HL topic practice · IB Maths AI SL topic practice · Free IB Maths AI HL whole papers · Free IB Maths AI SL whole papers

Common mistakes

Do not mix up the two maths booklets. The Applications and Interpretation booklet differs from the Analysis and Approaches one, so check the title before practising.

Typical errors are rounding too early in finance questions, using the wrong number of compounding periods, giving a number with no units or context, and relying on the calculator without writing the method. State what you entered and what the result means.

Also watch for answers that are mathematically right but unrealistic, such as a negative number of people or a probability above one. Re-read the question, and check that your final answer makes sense for the situation described.