Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations
This course recognizes the increasing role that mathematics and technology play in a diverse range of fields in a data-rich world. As such, it emphasizes the meaning of mathematics in context by focusing on topics that are often used as applications or in mathematical modeling. To give this understanding a firm base, this course also includes topics that are traditionally part of a pre-university mathematics course such as calculus and statistics.
The course makes extensive use of technology to allow students to explore and construct mathematical models. Mathematics: applications and interpretation will develop mathematical thinking, often in the context of a practical problem and using technology to justify conjectures.
Distinction between SL and HL
Students who choose Mathematics: applications and interpretation at SL or HL should enjoy seeing mathematics used in real-world contexts and to solve real-world problems. Students who wish to take Mathematics: applications and interpretation at higher level will have good algebraic skills and experience of solving real-world problems. They will be students who get pleasure and satisfaction when exploring challenging problems and who are comfortable to undertake this exploration using technology.
Syllabus Content
Number and Algebra
Functions
Geometry and Trigonometry
Statistics and Probability
Calculus
Toolkit Mathematical Exploration
Assessment Outline – SL
External assessment (3 hours)
Paper 1 (90 minutes)
Compulsory short-response questions based on the syllabus.(80 marks)
Paper 2 (90 minutes)
Compulsory extended-response questions based on the syllabus. (80 marks)
Internal assessment
This component is internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IB at the end of the course.
Mathematical exploration
Internal assessment in mathematics is an individual exploration.
This is a piece of written work that involves investigating an area of mathematics. (20 marks)
Assessment Outline – HL
Assessment Component
External assessment (5 hours)
Paper 1 (120 minutes)(110 marks)
Compulsory short-response questions based on the syllabus.
Paper 2 (120 minutes)
Compulsory extended-response questions based on the syllabus. (80 marks)
Paper 3 (60 minutes)(55 marks)
Two compulsory extended response problem-solving questions.
Internal assessment
This component is internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IB at the end of the course.
Mathematical exploration
Internal assessment in mathematics is an individual exploration. This is a piece of written work that involves investigating an area of mathematics. (20 marks)