The Group 5: Mathematics subjects of the IB Diploma Programme consist of two different mathematics courses, both of which can be taken at Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL).^[1] To earn an IB Diploma, a candidate must take either Mathematics Applications and Interpretation (SL/HL) or Mathematics Analysis and Approaches (SL/HL), as well as satisfying all CAS, TOK and EE requirements. ^[2]

At the standard level (SL), there are 2 external examinations and 1 internal examination for both of the IB math courses. At the higher level (HL), there are 3 external examinations and 1 internal examination for both of the IB math courses.^[3][4]

The external examinations for Analysis and Approaches at the SL level consist of two exams: Paper 1 (which does not allow for the use of technology i.e calculators), and Paper 2 (which is taken with technology). HL students take an additional exam, Paper 3, which allows for the use of technology and consists of only 2 questions, although they are very long and consist of many sub-questions.

For Applications and Interpretations, the external examinations at the SL level also consist of two papers, and they both allow the use of technology. Similarly to A&A, HL students sit for the additional Paper 3 that allows for the use of technology and that consists of two long questions. Paper 1 and Paper 2 differ in A&I in the style of questions asked: Paper 1 is made up of short, 5-9 marks questions, whereas Paper 2 has longer questions ranging from 14-18 marks.

Both Mathematics Analysis and Approaches and Mathematics Applications and Interpretation include the following elements:

• Number and Algebra
• Functions
• Geometry and trigonometry
• Statistics and probability
• Calculus
• Proofs (HL only)
• Vectors (HL only)

• Conditions of use of GDCs in examinations from 2008 onwards. International Baccalaureate Organization. 2007.
• Diploma Programme, Coordinator Notes, September 2007. International Baccalaureate Organization. 2007.
• Diploma Programme, Further Mathematics SL subject guide, First examinations 2006. Cardiff, Wales, UK: International Baccalaureate Organization. 2004.
• Diploma Programme, Handbook of Procedures for the Diploma Program, May and November 2009 examination sessions. Cardiff, Wales, UK: International Baccalaureate Organization. 2008.
• Diploma Programme, Mathematics HL subject guide, First examinations 2008. Cardiff, Wales, UK: International Baccalaureate Organization. 2006.
• Diploma Programme, Mathematics SL subject guide, First examinations 2008. Cardiff, Wales, UK: International Baccalaureate Organization. 2006.
• Diploma Programme, Mathematical Studies SL subject guide, First examinations 2006. Cardiff, Wales, UK: International Baccalaureate Organization. 2004.
• Schools' Guide to the Diploma Programme (PDF). Geneva, Switzerland: International Baccalaureate Organization. 2002. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-12-29. Retrieved 3 Jul 2009.
• Diploma Programme, Computer Science subject guide, First examinations 2010. Cardiff, Wales, UK: International Baccalaureate Organization. 2008.