Are you ready? It’s a big step up. The level of difficulty and amount of content increases dramatically. The diploma program is designed to prepare students for university education, and part of this preparation is seeing if you can handle the workload, independent study and intellectual challenge of serious academic study.
IB diploma maths is split in the Analysis and Approaches course, or the Applications and Interpretations course. Students can choose which course they study, and I would advise consulting your class teacher about which one is right for you. These courses are then also split into tiers: Standard Level or Higher Level. Be warned – the Higher Level course is not for the faint hearted, it will be very demanding and requires a strong mathematical talent.
Choosing the IB diploma will develop your character as well as your intellect. It’s a fantastic program for young people, and embarking on this journey is very exciting. However, it can also be stressful if you don’t study consistently from the start. I would recommend being prepared.
Prerequisite Topics
There are vital maths skills and knowledge that we would consider prerequisite knowledge. You must revise these before the course even begins to ensure you are prepared and ready to hit the ground running.
| Topic | Key Concepts | Revision | Extra Practice |
| General Algebra | a. Simplify algebraic expressions. b. Solve linear and quadratic equations. c. Form simple expressions and equations to solve real world problems. | Simplifying Algebraic Expressions Solving Equations Forming and Solving Equations Solving Simultaneous Equations Solving Quadratic Problems | Transum: Simplifying Algebra Corbett Maths: Forming and Solving Equations Transum: Solving Simultaneous Equations Corbett Maths: Solving Quadratics |
| Percentages | a. Be able to find a percentage of an amount. b. Be able to convert from percentages to decimals. c. Calculate Percentage Change and Reverse Percentages. d. Solve problems about Compound Interest and Depreciation. | Percentages Playlist | Transum: Percentages Corbett Maths: Reverse Percentages Compound Interest |
| Straight Line Graphs | This is a large part of the IB course. a. Understand y = mx + c and reable to solve problems on this topic. b. Know that the m represents the gradient and the c represents the y-intercept. Use this knowledge to predict what the line will look like. Also use this knowledge to find the equation of a line from a picture of the graph. c. Know how to find the gradients and equations of perpendicular lines. | Straight Line Graphs Playlist | Transum – Straight Line Graphs Corbett Maths: Equation of a Line MathsGenie: Perpendicular Lines Desmos: Straight Line Graphs Demo |
| Quadratic Equations | a. Know how to factorise quadratic equations. b. Be able to use the quadratic formula (or a scientific/graphical calculator to solve quadratics). c. Know how to ‘Complete the Square‘. d. Know how to plot quadratic graphs and their general shape. | Quadratic Playlists | Corbett Maths: Solving Quadratics Corbett Maths: Quadratic Graphs |
| Trigonometry | a. Be able to use and apply Pythagoras Theorem. b. Be able to use SOHCAHTOA to find lengths and angles in triangles. | Trigonometry | Transum: Pythagoras Theorem Transum: SOHCAHTOA |
| Geometry | a. Be able to calculate volume of common 3D shapes (Cuboids, prisms and spheres). b. Be able to calculate surface area of common 3D shapes (cuboids and prisms). | 3D Shapes | Transum: Surface Area Transum: Volume |
I cannot stress this enough, these skills are vital to success in the diploma program, regardless of which course you decide to take. This is all prerequisite knowledge and if you have any gaps in your knowledge, you need to study this before the start of the course in September. This will pay off, you will be less stressed and understand lessons far better.
Equipment – A Graphical Calculator
You will also need a good graphical calculator. We recommend the Casio FX CG50 model. Being able to use your graphical calculator is an important skill in IB Maths, so you must regularly practice using it fluently in every lesson. You should invest early in this piece of equipment, even if it is pretty expensive. Having the same calculator throughout the course will mean that you are confident using the same calculator that you will eventually use in the exam. Remember it to every lesson: if you can carry your mobile in your pocket every day, you can carry your calculator every day too. Buy one on Amazon here.
Extension
If you are aiming high and really want to hit the ground running in IB Maths, then I would recommend the following topics to revise:
1. 3D Trigonometry
2. Differentiation
3. Algebraic Fractions
4. Arithmetic Sequences
5. Vectors
Good luck with the course!
It’s hard work, but very rewarding. Focus on the goal of university or your career at the end of the two years, this may be the motivation you need to start revising today.
More reading: IB Maths Analysis and Approaches Standard Level
Addvance Maths 