Mathematics
Discussion of everything related to IB Mathematics.
Important
Do not post mathematical solutions to questions about Internal Assessment tasks or ask for them. This will lead to account suspension and, in exceptional circumstances, referral to the IBO for investigation. Please see this post for details on what you can and can't do: Mathematics Forum Rules
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Hello people! I have seen Biology, Chemistry and Physics help threads; I figured I would create one for Mathematics too. I'm willing to help any Mathematics student with their problems or doubts. I am sure there would also be some other helpers, so if you have any Math question just post here unless they are questions regarding IA tasks. Questions regarding IA tasks must be posted in the correct IA threads and not here. Questions from textbooks, worksheets or even past year papers may be asked here no matter whether they are for Math HL, SL or even Studies. Please also include which Math level you are taking so the solution and explanation would be suitable with the exten…
Last reply by The Rainbow Connection, -
Yup cabso is right...you are truly good at this.!!......I also had a question for you...Becuase I moved a few American schools... and i was never good at maths..actually is the subject i hate coz im really bad at it...but i was wondering if you could still get your IB diploma if you take the lowest Math class.which is Math SL I bet...even tough it was even more confusing with the amercan formula that had a bigger varitey of levels including calculus...and all of that....
Last reply by kw0573, -
- 55 replies
- 228.3k views
I haven't seen any IA tips around so I guess I would share some tips gathered from my Mathematics HL teacher's suggestions, some IBSurvival members' suggestions, my own knowledge and my own experiences. Cover Page Unless this is set by your school, I recommend that your cover page includes: • School Name (e.g. Sekolah Tiara Bangsa – ACS) • School Crest, if available • Subject & Level (e.g. Mathematics HL) • Portfolio Type (e.g. Portfolio Type I) • Portfolio Title (e.g. Patterns Within Systems of Linear Equations) • Candidate Name (e.g. Desy Kristianti) • Candidate Number (e.g. 001863-002) • Examination Session (e.g. May 2012) Header and Footer I recommend that your H…
Last reply by Magician, -
- 1 follower
- 37 replies
- 31.3k views
In general, Applications and Interpretation covers a broad range of materials, but Analysis and Approaches covers a narrower range in greater depth. Below lists the main topics in each course, by color code from 2014-2020 syllabus Studies, SL and HL (including Further HL). New topics are italicized. HL includes all SL topics of the same course. Common topics in all new Math courses: Algebra: scientific notation, arithmetic/geometric progression, compound interest, annual depreciation, exponents/logarithms Functions: lines, graph of a function, domain/range, definition of inverse, identifying extremas, intercepts, symmetry, zeros, asymptotes Geometry/Tr…
Last reply by EthanBrickman, -
- 27 replies
- 19k views
Here is some advice that you might want to follow right before and during the Math examination. Although most of these things are common sense, I think that putting it all down in words helps. So, 1) Ensure that you have atleast 2 working pens, a ruler, an eraser, two working pencils and your GDC put into your bag the night before the exam. - The last thing you want to do is forget something small and go around begging people for it/ going home to get it right before the exam. 2) Change the batteries of your GDC the night before the Paper 2 exam. - I know this is kind of extreme but after having used the GDC for so much exam practice [hopefully], the batteries might be ru…
Last reply by peterwilliam, -
- 6 replies
- 6.4k views
IBS has a system set up which allows you to enter in various bits of code and have them appear as mathematical symbols called Tex tags. For instance, rather than writing x^3, you can write . This is a quick guide explaining how to make this work for some of the more common Maths symbols you need for the IB. It may also come in handy as a way to copy/paste in as graphics for IAs, where relevant. For a more comprehensive overview, please take a look at this site: http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/LaTeX/Mathematics Additional Links (kindly suggested by Chrypton) Detexify - This site contains a white drawing area where you can draw a math symbol that you don't know the LaTeX c…
Last reply by Xydan, -
- 1 reply
- 21.6k views
The growing number of posts, where solutions to internal assessment tasks are given, has unfortunately led me to create a specific rule for this forum. [b]Do not post mathematical solutions to questions about Internal Assessment tasks.[/b] IB rules clearly state that students are not allowed to gain direct help, whether oral or written, in writing their mathematics IA tasks. Thus, even if a student is desperate in proving a statement or finding the correct method to problems, you may not give the answer to him. You may, however, give an answer of general nature (without actual calculation) that will direct a student to the methods required to find a solution. For examp…
Last reply by sweetnsimple786, -
- 0 replies
- 6.2k views
Here are the links to the notes and sample works for Math subjects that we have on our Files archive. To be able to download files, you have to be a VIP member or a VIP subscriber. Please see the FAQ for information on how to become a VIP or how to buy a VIP subscription. If you want to donate and contribute files to our archive, please see this announcement or this FAQ section. Mathematics Notes Sample HL Internal Assessments Sample SL Internal Assessments Sample Maths Studies Internal Assessments
Last reply by Survival Robot, -
So there are 2 people in the Maths HL class, and 5 in the Maths SL class. Only 7 doing the IB dip while one doing certs. Don't you prefer smaller classes? Makes it so much better, however, the other girl in my class has been absent for a few weeks, so the class gets ever so boring.
Last reply by humingyay, -
I find Integration by substitution absolutely annoying and irritating. It's either that or my feeble attempt to jog my rusty brain in the middle of the holidays to practice some maths. That didn't go so well. How are you guys finding Maths? I found it great and easy in the first half of the first year, but towards the end of the first year, it's getting harder.
Last reply by Wykked Wytch, -
- 56 replies
- 21.2k views
I just found an amazing graphing program that takes a bit to get used to, but is really handy. The program itself is called Advanced Grapher or Agrapher for short. It can be found at http://www.alentum.com/agrapher/. It comes with a 30day free trial, but costs money after that. I know some people who utilized their computer knowledge to ascertain a full version of this program by questionable means, but I do not personally endorse hacking. So what useful graphing programs have you found?
Last reply by Zenith, -
Maths Textbooks 1 2 3
by Guest bennyb- 47 replies
- 10.1k views
I dont know about anyone else, but are the maths textbooks you use way harder than what you get tested on? Our school gives us one by a guy called Fabio and its so much harder than any IB past paper ive done. I suppose thats good but what are other books like?
Last reply by Tiara Angel, -
- 46 replies
- 11.2k views
I've noticed that around the forums all people are concentrated on are the specifics of the IA's and how to do them and what is expected off of them, but I can't help but wonder how come no one ever gets stuck on math problems. For example, I remember back in 9th grade when i was taking Pre-IB Pre-calculus that there were some things that were just really hard to understand. And since IB isn't the most open curriculum out there, I went on to take AP math classes (which are INRCREDIBLY better than any IB math class) Right now i'm in 11th and i'm taking Calculus IV (differential equations here in Florida), so if you guys have any questions about calculus that maybe you dont…
Last reply by Holy Moly, -
- 42 replies
- 10.8k views
Well what do you think people? when have you achieved a fairly good result? I got 17 points on mine, and I don't know if I shall be happy or sad about it... And what grad does 17 points coronspond to in the 1-7 system? cheers comrads!
Last reply by Lance H, -
- 35 replies
- 7.7k views
Hi! I'm in my 2nd year of IB and I'm thinking about the possibility of dropping from Maths SL to Studies. I feel that I'm struggling with SL especially with calculus and circular trig but I kinda don't want to drop to Studies as I don't really know what I want to do in Uni and not limit myself. So I was wondering if anyone has an opinion on this and could help me out? Thanks.
Last reply by Cognac, -
- 35 replies
- 10.1k views
Hey guys I'm starting IB real soon and I was comtemplating on whether to buy the TI-nspire or the TI-84+ SE. What's the difference in these two calc besides memory ROM? Can you get those handy 'apps' avl for the TI-84+ on the TI-nspire? I will be using the ti84+ keypad on the nspire, but do you think it'll be hard to cope up with anyone using the ti-84/83? Is the TI-nspire permitted in Phy HL & Chem SL? I know it's permitted in Math. I'm pretty new here lol. My main concern was that the TI84+ SE doesn't support Calculus or AP Phy. This comparison chart says TI-Nspire does. I would like to know which calc you recommend. I have no plans of doing AP Calc/Phy, but I want…
Last reply by Slovakov, -
What do you use to get the technology mark for Portfolio? 1 2
by Guest IB_procrastinator- 27 replies
- 6.7k views
Hi all, What program or softwares do you usually use for your math portfolios? Mathematica? AutoCAD? Anyone knows any handy softwares? In my school, the technology mark is very hard to get. Anyone has any good tips?
Last reply by energetic, -
- 27 replies
- 4.6k views
What is a good graphing program that allows me to graph histograms for my math HL Type 2 investigation on probability?
Last reply by moneyfaery, -
- 24 replies
- 2.7k views
Hi. I had a topic about Math HL not being offered in my school - now I've been thinking about having a distance teacher from another IB school, of course this would cost a lot and im not sure if I can afford it. But theoretically speaking, how demanding would studying this way be? I need HL math for my future studies, at least for that I think I'm going to study now (engineering) Another thing is I'm already having 7 subjects as I will be studying all chemistry, physics and biology. It might be too challenging on long run, but I am quite confused with my choices now. Thanks for reading
Last reply by Knight, -
- 6 followers
- 23 replies
- 1.6k views
I am selling my Revision Village account since I have finished my IB DP program. This membership helped me score a 7 as a final grade in MATH AA HL, and I would recommend it to anyone taking DP Math. The membership is GOLD, meaning it gives lifetime access to all questions and answers. New it costs 200€, but I will price it at 100€ to sell it fast. Message if interested
Last reply by thalia, -
- 22 replies
- 8.6k views
I have heard from people that IB Math exams are getting easier and easier than before. The syllabus includes less things than before, exam questions are easier, etc. I have also noticed that more recent exam questions are easier. From textbooks, the questions from past papers of the early 1990s are so difficult! Is this true or is what I've heard a bunch of crap?
Last reply by Peachez, -
- 21 replies
- 2.9k views
Well, I don't know if you guys know about it, but in the "states" there are math competitions associated with MAO, mu alpha theta, math club. These are pretty much competitions held at regional levels which involve about 200 kids per cattegory (algebra1, geometry, algebra2, pre-calculus, calculus and stats) and it's simply a test of 30 questions with 1 hour to do. Then the top 20 get trophies and the top 5 schools get trophies. For those of you guys out there who like math, maybe you wanna give it a try There's a test attached for the calculus division, about 8 years ago. It's a pretty easy test compared to now, but to see how you stand, each quesiton is 4 points, each …
Last reply by Mike, -
- 20 replies
- 8.8k views
Feel free to post your useful calculator functions that are not so obvious to the average user. I know that only recently have I started using my calculator properly and it helps a lot! For those of you who don't know - you can update your calculator to the newest firmware and it contains many new features! Possibly one of my favourite additions is that you don't have to remember the order to input the binompdf(), normalpdf() etc. as it gives you a wizard now!
Last reply by dessskris, -
- 18 replies
- 5.7k views
Hello all! I'd just like to discuss something that I think is important to me and in also everyone else who does Maths Studies. Why do people think Studies is bad? It's not. They say it's an easy course for the 'less-able' students, but this isn't the case. I'd just like to clarify that the Maths Studies course is simply only more statistic-based, without the calculus and etc side of mathematics. It's for people that don't necessarily need complex Maths such as Physics, Mathematics, Economics maybe, etc.. For other things, it's not needed, such as art-careers. Also, it is worth noting that taking Maths Studies is a good opportunity to get a high score and in turn you can …
Last reply by steph237107, -
- 17 replies
- 5.4k views
hi I am doing my portfolio.Can you name some math softwares that are free. Is it necessary to use a software when they say use technology? Or is it fine just the calculator and ms-word for typing. Ideally how long does it take to do a portfolio. Thanks
Last reply by 9d9, -
- 16 replies
- 9.7k views
We are supposed to reset the RAM or ROM of our calculators before the exams. Now I am not sure about this, but isn't this gonna delete all applications? And that's the next question, because which applications are we allowed to have on our calculator? I only have Finance and PolySmlt, I think especially PolySmlt is useful and I don't want to lose it... So how is this supposed to work?
Last reply by sweetnsimple786, -
- 16 replies
- 2.8k views
Hi. I'm having problems with this simultaneous equation. I would really appreciate your help. 2x + 3y = 17 7x - 5y = 19 2x + 3y = 17 3y = -2x + 17 y = (-2x + 17)/3 Hence, 7x - 5(-2x + 17)/3 = 19 7x + (10x - 85)/3 = 19 And this is where I get stuck.
Last reply by Afterglow, -
- 15 replies
- 2.2k views
Has anyone taken it? What is the degree of difficulty? Can you retake a subject test? What books are good for revision? What did you guys get?
Last reply by xsandralee, -
- 15 replies
- 8.6k views
Hello guys. I am currently in the ib dp programme (year 1) and so far I have chosen Chem, Bio and Math as my HLs and Eng Lit, Chinese B and Geo as my SLs. However, I am thinking of switching HL math to SL because it kinda seems too difficult for me. I do enjoy math but I don't absolutely LOVE it but I'm afraid that SL may seem less of a challenge for me. Last year, I took the advanced math option (where you complete gr 10 and 11 math in one year) and I got 90% (Gr. 10) and 87% (Gr.11). In university, I would like to study: sciences (possible med), psychology, humanities. So what do you guys think? Please give me some of your advice and opinions. Oh btw, I'll be taking HL…
Last reply by ib2013grad, -
- 15 replies
- 3.9k views
Hi there, while browsing through a lot of pointless webpages, desperately seeking for some IB-related information, I stumbled onto this pretty table listing maths topics you should have knowledge of before starting IB. >Here's the link to the whole .pdf doc< The bit I'm interested to is the very first, Prior Learning. Do you all agree with what is listed? Did you guys all know this stuff before entering the IB, and do you believe I will be tested on topics that differ from these in my entrance exam? p.s. yup, I'm new here.
Last reply by vals, -
- 15 replies
- 2k views
My GDC keeps on playing up, so I thought it is best I get a new one now, before the exams. I had the Texas TI-84 Plus. I was just wondering what calculator you have, and what you think is the best?
Last reply by The Saint..., -
- 14 replies
- 1.3k views
Hello I am currently in the beginning of the second year of IB, and thinking of changing from Math SL to Math studies. Because.., -I got a passing grade of 3 on my end of IB year 1 exam:( -I really dislike math -Mathematics isn't required at university since I am planning to major in psychology or liberal arts. But, my school is not letting me change... Any advices? Anything would help! Also, I was wondering if you guys know of anyone was in a similar situation? That would really strengthen my case.
Last reply by =-=, -
Heya! I can't be alone in taking STEP in a couple of weeks, so I was thinking of having a STEP prep thread where we can help each other out!
Last reply by elaifyanre, -
- 13 replies
- 1.5k views
Hello! I have a quick survey for my mathematics internal assessment, 3 questions, only takes about a minute to finish! Thank you very much for your help!!! ~Chandler link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BMK7F2D
Last reply by ShootingStar16, -
- 12 replies
- 5.2k views
Does your school require you to buy one? Which one do you have and where did you get it?
Last reply by Leia, -
Portfolio Assignments: How lazy have the teachers got?
by Guest Fusschinski- 11 replies
- 3.4k views
Portfolio assignments are, in comparison to the exam, the easiest way to get great marks for your maths grade. At my school the assignments have not changed since like 1999, as we still use the example ones handed out by the IB for teachers. This could suggest that the teachers have become slightly lazy with them. I do HL maths and we did for our type I task the 'dreaded' "Koch Snowflake" (18/20 ) and for type II we had the mind numbing "Making a Logistics model" (19/20 ). Note though that my teacher in no way is an easy marker, and although the great IB in all their incomprehensible glory will probably find marks to take off somewhere, like they do (some guy in …
Last reply by Daniel Inchan Jung, -
- 11 replies
- 32k views
Guys, don't know if anyone else has this problem but on my TI-84 plus I can't scroll up to see past calculations. IS there anyway to fix this annoying problem?
Last reply by debi, -
- 11 replies
- 4.7k views
How to calculate best fit line? For example: X values: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Y values: 3, 1, 3, 1, 3 How would I find the equation for the best fit line through a mathematical view point (calculus) [y = mx + c]? Edit: Tried google as one could ask me and no good results where found. Best i could find was: http://www.fourmilab.ch/hackdiet/www/subsubsection1_4_1_0_8_4.html; and this did not help me. I used these keywords: calculate best fit line A reply would be highly appreciated. Regards, Zananok
Last reply by Zananok, -
- 10 replies
- 11.4k views
Hello I take maths SL and my homework for the winter break was to come up with a topic for the IA. I'm considering f/stops in photography which has something to do with geometric sequences and some mathematical explanation why these stop numbers make sense. It seems good enough, I guess, but my concern is that it's not very authentic. May I have your opinions, please? Hadassah
Last reply by Carosam, -
- 10 replies
- 22.2k views
Hey guys, I have a friend who is conflicted on whether or not to take the IB Diploma program because of the math offered in our school. Only math SL is available but they say he can take courses online for math HL. He says he may want to become a computer engineer so he'll need a lot of math and in another school they offer Precalc, Calculus, and AP math (I don't really know how American systems work so as far as I know they're all separate classes but Precalc and Calculus can be in AP math). So should he transfer to another school because of this? I heard from another friend that Math SL is similar to AP math but I don't know how true that is... :|
Last reply by najem, -
- 10 replies
- 2.7k views
This is really random, but why is it that some people call HL Math "HL Maths". Is there any difference or is it just something that varies from country to country?
Last reply by genepeer, -
- 10 replies
- 2.6k views
Does anyone else have this problem? My teacher gives us less than the allotted 10 days, giving us somewhere in the range of 6-8. This is very frustrating for me because I could really use the extra couple days! Is she technically allowed to due this?
Last reply by Peanut Butter Jelly, -
- 9 replies
- 1.4k views
Hi. I'm currently on PRE-DP year, and for my great annoyement Mathematics HL is not offered here where I study. I absolutely love mathematics and do it a lot every day but yeah sadly I can't study it HL. So what possibilities in the future are limited out by my forced SL level math? Thanks everyone
Last reply by khimberleigh, -
- 9 replies
- 1.9k views
Hello, could you please answer this survey for me, I need it for my math IA, it would also be nice, and much appreciated, if you could sent it around to other people as well, it is about languages and demographics so I need as many answers as I can get. Survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1f8LIxGuCyFF8Otc9CfWsnhONSDqINiK009WxCmTrI1M/viewform
Last reply by Alicelewis, -
- 9 replies
- 3k views
For part of my portfolio I worked out some of the possible values using wolframalpha (http://www.wolframalpha.com). Regarding software like this which literally does all of the calculation for you, does anybody know whether it would be against the rules in any way if I use it for my SL maths portfolio, and would marks be docked of for using it rather than doing the calculations manually - providing that I say I use it of course...??
Last reply by Sabs44, -
- 9 replies
- 1.3k views
It's summer / winter holiday for most of us and I thought I'd share a website on which you can practice your math. The website is brilliant.org and it doesn't really have IB style questions, but it's good practice anyway (and can be fun). After solving a question you recieve a certain number of points depending on the difficulty of the question. Using the points you collect you can 'buy' stuff with them (books for example, like flatland or Einstein's book about special relativity). Enjoy! (And if you already have an account, what levels are you in? I'm at level 3 for both.)
Last reply by elaifyanre, -
- 9 replies
- 1.2k views
Hello guys, So I haven't actually started the IB but I'm doing Additional Maths so I thought I could write my question here. My problem is that right now we're doing vectors and I dont understand anytttthiiiinngggg. The thing is I usually get it in Maths quite quickly but we've been doing vectors for like over a week now and I dont get anything and I stresses me out to the point where I get really sad about it. Could someone give me any advice on how to understand? Is there anything I should do? Any recommended YT channels or something else? Thank you!
Last reply by King112, -
- 9 replies
- 3.2k views
So every time I finish a maths test, I'm happy because I did all the questions easily, I knew how to do them all. I get back the test and I only get 70%, yet I knew all the questions. I flip through my test. CARELESS MISTAKES EVERYWHERE It could be calculation errors (e.g. 5+7 = 9) or dropping an "x" in the equation forgetting the negative sign However much I study, i'll always make these mistakes. I feel like it's out of my control. I can do everything, know everything, but I'll make mistakes. HOW DO I CONTROL THIS AND STOP LOSING 30% ON JUST CARELESS MISTAKES???!!! Please help!! THanks everyone
Last reply by turtle turtle, -
- 9 replies
- 2k views
Ok so I want to make a topic containing challenging math questions (kind of math riddles) that stimulate thinking. So the rule is: Once someone put a question no other person can ask another question unless the first question is answered with explanation. And please don't post IB questions. Please don't get the answers from the internet. Try to do it yourself. If you can't, leave the answer room for other students. I hope I was clear. So I will begin: or if you can't see the figure, here is a link: http://i.imgur.com/VlbOC.png In the figure above, B is the midpoint of AC and the center of the green circle. All other labeled points are also the centers of circle…
Last reply by IBCONQUERER, -
- 9 replies
- 1.5k views
What was the process of placing you in one of the math levels. At my school the teacher averaged test scores over a semester and if you had a 98% or above, you were placed in Math HL. Just curious how they do it at other schools. My school has pre-IB to prepare you for the real IB, if that changes anything.
Last reply by carpediem,