The Most-Tested Topics in IB Maths AA HL
Every IB Maths AA HL past-paper question, tagged to its syllabus topic — ranked by how often each is tested (2021–2024).
All topics (HL) ()
33 papers analysed · top 15 of 80 topics
| # | Topic | % of all HL questions | Questions | Avg marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Derivatives of sin, cos, e^x, ln x; chain rule; product/quotient rules | 10.9% | 30 | 11.8 |
| 2 | Definite integrals; areas between curves (f(x) positive or negative) | 9.1% | 25 | 10.1 |
| 3 | Local max/min; optimization; points of inflection | 8% | 22 | 16.1 |
| 4 | Solving equations graphically and analytically | 6.2% | 17 | 8.4 |
| 5 | Complex numbers: Cartesian form, conjugate, modulus, argument | 5.8% | 16 | 12.4 |
| 6 | Indefinite integrals of x^n, sin, cos, 1/x, e^x; substitution | 5.8% | 16 | 9.5 |
| 7 | First order ODEs: Euler's method, separable variables, integrating factor, homogeneous | 5.5% | 15 | 19.9 |
| 8 | Venn/tree diagrams; P(A∪B); conditional probability P(A|B); independence | 5.5% | 15 | 8.3 |
| 9 | Counting principles (permutations, combinations); extended binomial theorem | 5.5% | 15 | 10.8 |
| 10 | Solving trigonometric equations in finite intervals | 5.5% | 15 | 9.7 |
| 11 | Key features: max/min, intercepts, symmetry, asymptotes | 5.5% | 15 | 12.6 |
| 12 | Polynomial functions; factor and remainder theorems | 5.1% | 14 | 16.7 |
| 13 | Proof by induction, contradiction, counterexample | 4.7% | 13 | 14.7 |
| 14 | Second derivative; relationship between f, f', f'' | 4.4% | 12 | 22.7 |
| 15 | Continuous random variables; PDF; E(X), Var(X); linear transformations | 4.4% | 12 | 8.3 |
How this was measured
Based on OwlsPrep's database of IB Maths AA HL past papers (2021–2024), 275 questions each tagged to its syllabus topic. “% of all HL questions” = the share of all tagged IB Maths AA HL questions that test the topic. Because one question can test several topics, shares do not sum to 100%. HL papers include both core and AHL (HL-only) content. Figures are aggregate statistics from question metadata — no exam questions or mark schemes are reproduced.
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