The Most-Tested Topics in IB Maths AI HL
Every IB Maths AI HL past-paper question, mapped to the current syllabus and ranked by how often each topic is tested (2021–2024).
All topics (HL) ()
36 papers analysed · top 15 of 59 topics
| # | Topic | % of all HL questions | Questions | Avg marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Real-world modeling with functions | 11.5% | 35 | 10.1 |
| 2 | Concept of function, domain, range, and graph | 10.9% | 33 | 11.3 |
| 3 | Vectors: basics, operations, dot product | 9.5% | 29 | 10.3 |
| 4 | Separation of variables for differential equations | 9.5% | 29 | 13.6 |
| 5 | t-tests and confidence intervals for means | 8.6% | 26 | 13.9 |
| 6 | Matrices: algebra, determinant and inverse | 8.2% | 25 | 11.4 |
| 7 | Differentiation rules: power, product, quotient, chain | 7.6% | 23 | 12.3 |
| 8 | Vector equation of a line, intersections | 6.2% | 19 | 11.9 |
| 9 | Modelling with functions | 6.2% | 19 | 9.4 |
| 10 | Volume and surface area of 3D solids | 5.9% | 18 | 12 |
| 11 | Measures of central tendency | 5.9% | 18 | 12.8 |
| 12 | Hypothesis testing: chi-squared and t-tests | 5.9% | 18 | 15.9 |
| 13 | Eigenvalues and eigenvectors | 5.6% | 17 | 12.1 |
| 14 | Basic probability concepts and combined events | 5.6% | 17 | 9.4 |
| 15 | Complex numbers: definition, arithmetic and polar form | 5.6% | 17 | 7.5 |
How this was measured
Based on OwlsPrep's database of IB Maths AI HL past papers (2021–2024), 304 questions each tagged to its syllabus topic and mapped to the current IB syllabus via our topic crosswalk. “% of all HL questions” = the share of all tagged IB Maths AI HL questions that test the topic. Topics no longer in the current syllabus are excluded; because one question can test several topics, shares do not sum to 100%. Figures are aggregate statistics from question metadata — no exam questions or mark schemes are reproduced.
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