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In 2021, 88.96% of students passed their IB exams. One of the most challenging subjects was AA HL Math. This is perhaps one of the most dreaded IB math subjects. However, you’d be surprised to learn that passing is not too difficult, especially if you’ve studied the relevant topics.
Before taking your AA HL Math, ensure that you understand all five core topics taught in the subject. Let’s have a look at what you should study generally.
Number and Algebra
Number and algebra typically occupy 18.7% of the content taught in AA HL math. In this topic, you’re taught concepts like scientific notation, sequences and series, exponents and logarithms, proofs, binomial theorem, counting principles, complex numbers, complex plane, complex roots, and systems of equations.
Some of these concepts are further broken down into key subtopics. For instance, ensure you have a good understanding of arithmetic/geometric series and sigma notation under sequences and series.
Functions
Functions cover roughly 14.8% of AA HL math content. This topic has various subtopics, including basic functions, graph of functions, special functions, quadratic solutions, solving equations, graph transformations, and polynomial functions.
A good grasp of basic functions will help tremendously improve your understanding of the entire topic. Understanding graph of functions and special functions is also crucial. Basic functions covers the subtopics, introduction to functions, lines, function concepts, function notations, and inverse functions.
Geometry and Trigonometry
Geometry and trigonometry is the second-largest topic in AA HL math, covering 24.4% of the content. Therefore, you should place considerable effort into understanding the concepts under this topic.
Geometry and trigonometry covers the introduction to geometry, sine and cosine rules, triangles, the circle, trigonometry, identity, trig composites, solving trig equations, vector concepts, multiple vectors, vector equations, point of intersections, dot product, vector planes, and intersecting planes.
After covering the introduction to geometry, most concepts will be easy to understand once you’ve grasped the sine and cosine rules. Thus, consider revising these two if you’re struggling in advanced topics.
Statistics and Probability
Statistics and probability is the second smallest topic in AA HL math. It covers population and data, central tendency, linear correlation, introduction to probability, types of probabilities, random variables, distributions, and bivariate statistics.
Most of these subtopics have two sub subtopics underneath them. For instance, under population and data, you study population and presentation of data. Under introduction to probability, you study introduction to probability and Venn diagrams.
Calculus
Calculus is the largest topic in AA HL math. You should thus ensure you’re very comfortable with most concepts under this topic. It covers 26.3% of coursework in AA HL maths.
Under calculus, you study subtopics like limits, derivatives, differentiation, integration, further integration, kinematics, and Maclaurin series. The largest subtopics under calculus include derivatives, integration, and further integration.
Thus, you can slot in more study time for these subtopics to ensure you’ve comprehensively covered calculus.
Invest in Online Resources to Get Better
It’s best if you study all five core AA HL math topics to be best prepared for your test. Besides revising your class notes, consider investing in AA HL Math online resources. These come with past papers, prediction exams, and revision videos to give you the best chance of scoring a grade seven.
