IB Maths AA Sample Papers

IB Maths Analysis and Approaches (AA) is built around mathematical reasoning. The official specimen pack is useful because it shows how an exam can move from a familiar technique to a longer argument involving algebra, functions, calculus or proof. Use it to practise the chain of reasoning, not just to collect final answers.

Official IB Maths AA specimen papers and markschemes

Open the official IB Maths AA specimen papers (PDF)

How to use IB Maths AA sample papers

The pack provides AA specimen papers and markschemes for standard level (SL) and higher level (HL). It contains Papers 1 and 2 at both levels, plus Paper 3 at HL. AA Paper 1 is completed without technology, while the other current AA external papers use technology. Check the level and paper number before starting so that your timing and calculator conditions match the assessment shown.

These materials relate to the AA course first assessed in May 2021. They demonstrate a format and style; they don’t predict the exact topic order or difficulty of a future exam. Confirm the course version and assessment instructions that apply to your session.

Choose the paper that matches your course

Check SL or HL, the paper number and whether technology is allowed before setting a time. A mixed pack is useful only when the conditions for the question match the course you’re preparing to sit.

Practise the two AA working modes separately. Paper 1 exposes whether exact and non-technology methods are secure. The other papers test whether technology is chosen and documented well.

Non-technology work

Use Paper 1 questions to test whether core algebra and mathematical facts are available without calculator support. Keep exact values when requested, write each transformation clearly and check restrictions such as a domain or a rejected solution. If a solution stalls, identify the missing fact or manipulation before looking at the markscheme.

Technology-supported work

On technology papers, decide what the calculator should do and what still needs to appear in the written solution. Record the equation, graph feature or numerical method that produced the result. Then check if the output fits the mathematics. A screen value on its own may hide an incorrect window, mode, bound or equation.

Build an AA error map

After a short set, sort each lost mark by the first thing that went wrong. Useful AA categories include algebra, exact form, functions, trigonometry, calculus, proof, notation and calculator setup. This is more informative than recording only the topic because it tells you what to change on the next attempt.

1. Redo the failed line without reading further in the markscheme.
2. Write the rule or idea that should have guided that line.
3. Find a different question that needs the same type of reasoning.
4. Attempt that new question a few days later without notes.

If the repeated question works, return to a mixed set. If it fails again, rebuild the underlying skill before trying another complete paper.

Read an AA markscheme for the argument

Trace where method marks are earned and compare the order of the steps with your own work. Notice which statements make the logic visible, especially in a proof, a calculus argument or a multi-part function question. When the markscheme gives an unfamiliar method, explain why it works before deciding whether to add it to your own approach.

Move from questions to timed papers

Begin with small groups chosen for a purpose, such as exact trigonometry or linking a derivative to a graph. Next, combine topics under a short time limit. Sit a complete paper only after the main methods are reliable. Keep a final checking period for signs, endpoints, accuracy, exact form and every part of the command.

Common AA mistakes to watch for

• Using a decimal when an exact answer is required.
• Skipping algebraic steps that carry the mathematical argument.
• Quoting calculator output without showing the setup or interpreting the result.
• Forgetting a domain, parameter restriction or extraneous solution.
• Treating an HL question as an SL question with less time, rather than allowing for added depth.

After each AA question: find the first broken step, repair the method and prove the repair on a fresh question. That turns the specimen pack into focused practice instead of a one-off score.