IB Maths IA Guide for AA and AI

Q: Should my Maths IA be for AA or AI?

Analysis and Approaches often suits algebraic reasoning, calculus, functions, number theory or proof. Applications and Interpretation often suits modelling, statistics, optimisation and real data. Quality comes from sustained development and justified choices, not from choosing the most advanced topic possible.

Quick answer: build one coherent exploration around a narrow question; introduce only the mathematics you actually use; show working and define notation; interpret results throughout; and keep every graph, table and calculation relevant to the argument.

A reliable Maths IA structure

Introduction and aim. Establish the context, explain why it interests you and state the exact question.
Definitions and assumptions. Define variables, units, domain, data source and simplifying assumptions.
Mathematical development. Show a logical sequence of calculations, models or proofs with technology used transparently.
Results and interpretation. Explain what every important result means in the original context.
Reflection and refinement. Test assumptions, compare approaches, examine limitations and improve the model.
Conclusion. Answer the question directly and identify what the mathematics can — and cannot — support.
References and appendices. Cite data, images and borrowed methods; keep essential mathematics in the main text.

AA or AI: choose the right kind of exploration

Analysis & Approaches

Often suits algebraic reasoning, calculus, functions, number theory or proof. The quality comes from sustained mathematical development — not from choosing the most advanced topic possible.

Read the detailed AA guide →

Applications & Interpretation

Often suits modelling, statistics, optimisation and real data. The quality comes from justified choices, validation and thoughtful interpretation — not simply running a regression.

Read the detailed AI guide →

Test a topic before committing

A workable topic passes five tests: you can phrase it as a specific question; the mathematics is appropriate for your course; you can obtain trustworthy data or define a clear mathematical object; the investigation contains decisions you can justify; and there is something meaningful to reflect on.

Too broad: “The maths of football.”
More workable: “How accurately can a projectile model predict the flight of a free kick from measurements taken from match footage?”

The second version identifies a model, data source and outcome that can be evaluated.

Topic lists for each course: Maths AA ideas · Maths AI ideas.

Criteria checklist

Presentation: the exploration reads as one concise argument and is easy to navigate.
Mathematical communication: variables, notation, graphs and significant figures are consistent.
Personal engagement: your decisions and independent thinking are visible in the mathematics.
Reflection: you interpret, question and refine results throughout rather than adding one limitation paragraph at the end.
Use of mathematics: the mathematics is correct, relevant and understood at an appropriate level.

Common mistakes

Choosing a topic because it sounds difficult, then explaining none of the mathematics.
Pasting calculator or spreadsheet output without showing what was entered or why.
Using a large dataset but making only one simple calculation.
Describing graphs instead of interpreting the mathematical relationship.
Claiming that correlation proves causation.
Leaving personal engagement and reflection until the conclusion.

What to do next

Write a one-sentence question, list the mathematics you expect to use, and identify one decision or comparison that will make the exploration genuinely yours. Then use the appropriate frame to build it section by section.

Start your Maths IA plan free

Choose the frame that matches your course. You write the exploration; IA Studio keeps the structure and assessment prompts beside you.

Open Maths AA Open Maths AI

Maths IA — frequently asked questions

Should my Maths IA be for AA or AI?

Analysis & Approaches often suits algebraic reasoning, calculus, functions, number theory or proof. Applications & Interpretation often suits modelling, statistics, optimisation and real data. Quality comes from sustained development and justified choices, not from choosing the most advanced topic possible. Read the AA guide or the AI guide for the course-specific detail.

How do I test a Maths IA topic?

A workable topic can be phrased as a specific question, uses mathematics appropriate for your course, has trustworthy data or a clear mathematical object, contains decisions you can justify, and leaves something meaningful to reflect on.

What does a Maths IA criteria checklist cover?

Presentation, mathematical communication, personal engagement, reflection throughout the exploration, and use of mathematics that is correct, relevant and understood at an appropriate level.

Guidance aligned to the current Mathematics Exploration. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the International Baccalaureate Organization.

Open Maths AA tool · Maths AI tool. Other guides: Maths AA · Maths AI. All guides.

📬 Free: the IA topic-picker checklist + examiner tips

Get the Topic-Picker & Top-Band Checklist (PDF) plus short, examiner-written tips for each stage of your IA — straight to your inbox. No spam, unsubscribe any time.