IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches Past Papers

How to identify the paper, session and variant

IB papers are named by subject, paper number and level. Paper 1, Paper 2 and, in some subjects, Paper 3 are separate examinations, and many papers are set for either Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL).

IB examinations take place in the May and November sessions, and some papers are set in more than one time zone (TZ1, TZ2) in the same session.

Check the level (SL or HL), the paper number and the time zone, and use the papers that match the level you take.

Attempt a paper under timed conditions

Choose a paper that matches your course, set the time allowed on the front page, and work without notes. Stopping early to look something up hides the gaps you are trying to find.

Write every step of the working, because method marks are awarded even when the final answer is wrong.

Re-attempt any question you got wrong a few days later without looking at the solution, to confirm the method has stuck.

Aim for a steady pace per mark and flag a question you are stuck on, because the later parts of other questions may be quicker.

Checking your answers

No mark schemes have been added for Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches yet. Until they are, ask your teacher to check your work or look for the matching mark scheme on IB's website.

Look at where method marks and accuracy marks start and stop, and compare your layout with the accepted alternatives.

Typical slips are a sign error carried through several lines, a premature rounding, a skipped line of working and an unreadable layout.

Keep an error log and plan your revision

After each paper, write down every lost mark in a log. Record whether the mistake was a method error, an arithmetic slip, a misread question or a missing step, since each needs a different fix.

Then turn the log into a short weekly plan: choose two or three topics, revise them from your notes, and test them with fresh questions. Spread the papers you have across several weeks instead of attempting them all at once.

A good week alternates a timed paper with drills on one topic, re-working each lost question until the method feels routine.

Practise one topic until a set of questions feels routine, then return to mixed papers to practise choosing the right method.

Check that the syllabus version matches

IB subject guides are revised on a cycle, with a first-assessment year, so confirm that your guide version matches the papers you practise. Internal assessment work is not part of past papers.

How do I find the correct IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches paper?

Check three things on the paper: the session and year, the paper number, and the variant or level when there is one. IB papers are named by subject, paper number and level. Paper 1, Paper 2 and, in some subjects, Paper 3 are separate examinations, and many papers are set for either Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL).

Which Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches syllabus version should I choose?

IB subject guides are revised on a cycle, with a first-assessment year, so confirm that your guide version matches the papers you practise. Internal assessment work is not part of past papers.

Where can I find the matching mark scheme?

No mark schemes have been added for this subject yet. Check IB's website or ask your teacher, and see the list above as new files are added.

Are all IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches past papers on this page?

No. This page lists only the files that have been added so far, and some sessions may be missing. For the full official list, use IB's own website.

Should I use Standard Level or Higher Level papers?

Use the papers that match the level you take. Check the level (SL or HL), the paper number and the time zone, and use the papers that match the level you take.

Are these files endorsed by IB?

No. The papers are published by International Baccalaureate. Trinity Tutors is an independent tutoring service and is not endorsed by or affiliated with the board, and it cannot promise any particular grade or result.

Is it enough to get the final answer right in Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches?

Not always. Method marks are awarded for correct working even when the final answer is wrong, so show each step clearly.

Can a tutor help me with Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches?

You can browse a Mathematics tutor or contact us with the board, level and topics that cost you marks, and we will say honestly whether we have a suitable tutor.