IB Higher Level

Core Curriculum (AA and AI) (51 Hours + 12 Hours for revision, assessment and
feedback)
Unit 1: (9 Hours) Sequences and Series
IB Concepts Quantity, Space

Topic Syllabus Code Description AA AA AI AI Hours

Textbook Exercise(s) Textbook Exercise(s)
Reference Reference
Topic 1 – AA/AI 1.2 Arithmetic sequences and series na 1A-1D 4K-O, 7A- 9
Number and Use of formulae for the nth term and the sum of the first F
Algebra n terms of the sequence
Use of sigma notation for sums of arithmetic sequences
Applications
Analysis, interpretation and prediction where a model is
not perfectly arithmetic in real life
1.3 Geometric Sequences and Series
Use of the formulae for the nth term and the sum of the
first n terms of the sequence
Use of sigma notation for the sums of geometric
sequences
Applications
1.4 Financial Applications of geometric sequences and
series:
- compound interest
- annual depreciation

Notes

Prior learning?
Unit 2: (9 hours) Functions
IB Concepts Patterns, Generalization

Topic Syllabus Code Description AA AA AI AI Hours

Textbook Exercise(s) Textbook Exercise(s)
Reference Reference
2 - Functions AA/AI 2.2 Concept of a function, domain, range and graph. 2A 4A-C 9
Function notation, for example f(x), v(t), C(n)
The concept of a function as a mathematical model
Informal concept that an inverse function reverses or
undoes the effect of a function
Inverse function as a reflection in the line y=x, and the
notation f-1(x)
2.3 The graph of a function; its equation y = f(x) 2B 6A-C
Creating a sketch from information given or a context,
including transferring a graph from screen to paper.
Using technology to graph functions including their
sums and differences
2.4 Determine key features of graphs 2B 6A-C
Finding the point of intersection of two curves or lines
using technology
2.5 Composite functions 2M 4J
Identity function. Finding the inverse function f-1(x) 2N 4H-I

2.6 The quadratic function f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c; its graph, y 2B 6A-C

-intercept (0,c). Axis of symmetry.
The form f(x) = a(x-p)(x-q), x intercepts (p,0) and (q,0)
The form f(x) = a(x-h)^2 + k and vertex (h, k)
2.7 Transformations of graphs 2Q-S 6F
Translations: y=f(x)+b; y= f(x-a)
Reflections: in the x axis y = -f(x); and in the y axis y =
f(-x)
Vertical stretch with scale factor p: y = pf(x)
Horizontal stretch with scale factor 1/q: y = f(qx)
Composite transformations

Notes
Revision, test and feedback (4 hours)
Unit 3: (12 hours) Trigonometry
IB Concepts Modelling, Relationships

Topic Syllabus Code Description AA AA AI AI Hours

Textbook Exercise(s) Textbook Exercise(s)
Reference Reference
3 – Geometry AA/AI 3.1 The distance between two points in three-dimensional 6A – 6B 1D, 1H, 12
and space, and their midpoint. 1I, 3A
Trigonometry Volume and surface area of three-dimensional solids
including right-pyramid, right cone, sphere, hemisphere
and combinations of these solids.
The size of an angle between two intersecting lines or
between a line and a plane.
3.2 Use of sine, cosine and tangent ratios to find the sides 6G - I 1E - F
and angles of right-angles triangles.
The sine rule, cosine rule and area of a triangle
3.3 Applications of right and non right angled trigonometry,
including Pythagoras' theorem.
Angles of elevation and depression
Construction of labelled diagrams from written
statements
3.4 The circle: length of an arc, area of a sector 6C – D 1G, 8A
Radian measure of angles

3.7 The circular functions sinx, cosx and tanx; amplitude, 6N 8C

their periodic nature, and their graphs
Composite functions of the form f(x)= asin(b(x+c))+d
Transformations
Real-life contexts
3.11 Relationships between trigonometric functions and the 6O 8C
symmetry properties of their graphs

Notes
Unit 4: (5 hours) Indices and Logs
IB Concepts Modelling, Relationships

Topic Syllabus Code Description AA AA AI AI Hours

Textbook Exercise(s) Textbook Exercise(s)
Reference Reference
1 – Number AA/AI 1.5 Laws of exponents with integer exponents 7C - E 1C, 7J-K, 5
and Algebra Introduction to logarithms with base 10 and e. 7G-I
Numerical evaluation of logarithms using technology
1.7 Laws of exponents with rational exponents
Laws of logarithms:
- log xy = log x + log y
- log x/y = log x - log y
- log x^m = m log x

Change of base of logarithm

Solving exponential equations, including using

logarithms
2.9 Exponential functions and their graphs:
f(x) = a^x, a>0, f(x) = e^x
Logarithmic functions and their graphs:
f(x) = log (base a) x, x>0, f(x) = lnx, x>0

Notes
Revision, test and feedback (4 hours)
Unit 5: (16 hours) Differentiation
IB Concepts Representation, Modelling

Topic Syllabus Code Description AA AA AI AI Hours

Textbook Exercise(s) Textbook Exercise(s)
Reference Reference
5 - Calculus AA/AI 5.1 Derivative interpreted as gradient function and as rate of 4E – L, 10A - L 16
change 4R, 4T,
4V, 6S, 7F
5.3 Derivative of f(x) = ax^n is f'(x)=anx^(n-1), n as an
integer
The derivative of functions of the form f(x) = ax^n +
bx^(n-1)… where all exponents are integers
5.4 Tangents and normals at a given point, and their
equations

5.6 Derivative of x^n (n is rational), sinx, cosx, e^x, Lnx

Differentiation of a sum and a multiple of these
functions
The chain rule for composite functions
The product and quotient rules
5.7 The second derivative
Graphical behaviour of functions, including the
relationship between the graphs of f, f' and f''
5.8 Optimization

5.9 Kinematic problems involving displacement s, velocity

v, acceleration a and total distance travelled

5.14 Related rates of change

Optimisation problems

Notes
Revision, test and feedback (4 hours)
Christmas
AA Curriculum (150 Hours + 25 Hours for revision, assessment and feedback)
Unit 6: (12 hours) Integration
IB Concepts Representation, Quantity

Topic Syllabus Code Description AA AA AI AI Hours

Textbook Exercise(s) Textbook Exercise(s)
Reference Reference
5 - Calculus AA/AI 5.5 Introduction to integration as anti-differentiation of 7A - B 11A - C, 12
functions of the form f(x) = ax^n + bx^(n-1)+… where n E, G
is an integer, n not equal to 1
Anti-differentiation with a boundary condition to
determine the constant term
Definite integrals using technology
Area of a region enclosed by a curve y = f(x) and the x-
axis, where f(x)>0
5.10 Indefinite integral of x^n (n is rational), sinx, cosx, 1/x 7G - I 11F
and e^x (definite integration and 1/(cosx)^2 for AI)
Integration by inspection (reverse chain rule) or by
substitution in the form integral(kg'(x)f(g(x))dx
Integration by substitution
5.11 Definite integrals, including analytical approach
Areas of a region enclosed by a curve y = f(x) and the x-
axis, where f(x) can be positive or negative, without the
use of technology
Areas between curves
5.17 Area of the region enclosed by a curve and the x or y- 8A – D 11 H - K
axes in a given interval
Volumes of revolution about the x-axis or y-axis

Notes
Unit 7: (9 hours) Statistics
IB Concepts Patterns, Generalization

Topic Syllabus Code Description AA AA AI AI Hours

Textbook Exercise(s) Textbook Exercise(s)
Reference Reference
Topic 4 – AA 4.1 Concepts of population, sample, random sample, discrete 5A - B 2A
Statistics and and continuous data.
probability Reliability of data sources and bias in sampling
Interpretation of outliers
Sampling techniques and their effectiveness
AA 4.2 Presentation of data (discrete and continuous): frequency 5C – E, H 2D - E
distributions (tables)
Histograms
Cumulative frequency; cumulative frequency graphs; use
to find median, quartiles, percentiles, range and
interquartile range (IQR)
Production and understanding of box and whisker
diagrams
AA 4.3 Measures of central tendency (mean, median and mode) 5F - G 2B – C,
Estimation of mean from grouped data 14M
Modal Class
Measures of dispersion (interquartile range, standard
deviation and variance)
Effect of constant changes on the original data
Quartiles of discrete data
AA 4.4 Linear correlation of bivariate data 5I 2F
Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient, r
Scatter diagrams; lines of best fit, by eye, passing
through the mean point
Equation of the regression line of y on x
Use of the equation of the regression line for prediction
purposes
Interpret the meaning of the parameters, a and b, in
linear regression y = ax + b

Notes
Revision, test and feedback (5 hours)
Unit 8: (15 hours) Probability Distributions
IB Concepts Relationships, Representation

Topic Syllabus Code Description AA AA AI AI Hours

Textbook Exercise(s) Textbook Exercise(s)
Reference Reference
Topic 4 – AA 4.5 Concepts of trial, outcome, equally likely outcomes, 11A - K 5A- D 15
Statistics and relative frequency, sample space (U) and event. 13A - E
Probability The probability of an event A is P(A) = n(A)/n(U)
The complementary events A and A'
Expected number of occurrences
4.6 Use of Venn diagrams, tree diagrams, sample space
diagrams and tables of outcomes to calculate
probabilities
Combined events:
P(A U B) = P(A) + P(B) - P(A n B)
Mutually exclusive events: P(A n B) = 0
Conditional probability: P(A|B) = P(A n B)/P(B)
4.7 Concept of discrete random variables and their
probability distributions
Expected value (mean), E(X) for discrete data
Applications
4.8 Binomial distribution
Mean and variance of the binomial distribution

4.9 The normal distribution and curve

Properties of the normal distribution
Diagrammatic representation
Normal probability calculations
Inverse normal calculations
4.11 Formal definition and use of the formulae:
P(A|B) = P(AnB)/P(B) for conditional probabilities, and
P(A|B) = P(A) = P(A|B') for independent events
4.12 Standardization of normal variables (z-values)
Inverse normal calculations where mean and standard
deviation are unknown
 4.13 Use of Bayes' theorem for a maximum of three events

4.14 Variance of a discrete random variable

Continuous random variables and their probability
density functions
Mode and median of continuous random variables
Mean, variance and standard deviation of both discrete
and continuous random variables
The effect of linear transformations of X

Notes
Unit 9: (4 hours) Proof
IB Concepts Modelling, Relationships

Topic Syllabus Code Description AA AA AI AI Hours

Textbook Exercise(s) Textbook Exercise(s)
Reference Reference
Topic 1 – AA 1.6 Simple deductive proof, numerical and algebraic; how to 1E - G 4
Number and lay out a left hand side to right hand side proof.
Algebra The symbols and notation for equality and identity
1.15 Proof by mathematical induction
Proof by contradiction
Use of counterexample to show that a statement is not
always true

Notes
Revision, test and feedback (4 hours)
Easter
Unit 10: (5 hours) Counting principles and binomial expansion

IB Concepts Representations, Equivalence

Topic Syllabus Code Description AA AA AI AI Hours

Textbook Exercise(s) Textbook Exercise(s)
Reference Reference
Topic 1 – AA 1.9 The binomial theorem: 1H - J 5
Number and - expansion of (a+b)^n
Algebra - Use of pascal's triangle and nCr
1.9 Counting principles, including permutations and
combinations
Extension of the binomial theorem to fractional and
negative indices

Notes
Unit 11: (10 hours) Functions and Graphs
IB Concepts Change, Relationships

Topic Syllabus Code Description AA AA AI AI Hours

Textbook Exercise(s) Textbook Exercise(s)
Reference Reference
Topic 1 – AA 1.11 Partial fractions 2F 10
Number and
Algebra

Topic 2 - AA 2.3 The graph of a function; its equation y = f(x) 2C – I, K,

Functions Creating a sketch from information given or a context, L, O, P
including transferring a graph from screen to paper.
Using technology to graph functions including their
sums and differences
2.4 Determine key features of graphs
Finding the point of intersection of two curves or lines
using technology
2.8 The reciprocal function f(x) = 1/x: its graph and self-
inverse nature
Rational functions of the form f(x) = (ax+b)/(cx+d) and
their graphs.
Equations of vertical and horizontal asymptotes
2.13 Rational functions of the form
f(x) = (ax+b)/(cx^2+dx+e) and
f(x) = (ax^2+bx+c)/(dx+e)
2.14 Odd and even functions
Finding the inverse function including domain restriction
Self-inverse functions
2.15 Solutions of g(x)≥f(x), both graphically and analytically

2.16 The graphs of the functions, y = |f(x)| and y = f(|x|), y =

1/f(x), y =f(ax+b) y=[f(x)]^2
Solution of modulus equations and inequalities

Notes
Unit 12: (7 hours) Quadratics
IB Concepts Equivalence, Quantity

Topic Syllabus Code Description AA AA AI AI Hours

Textbook Exercise(s) Textbook Exercise(s)
Reference Reference
Topic 2 - AA 2.7 Solution of quadratic equations and inequalities. 3A - E 7
Functions The quadratic formula.
The discriminant b^2-4ac and the nature of the roots,
that is two distinct real roots, two equal real roots and no
real roots.
AA 2.12 Polynomial functions, their graphs and equations; zeros,
roots and factors.
The factor and remainder theorems.
Sum and product of the roots of polynomial equations.
AA 2.10 Solving equations both graphically and analytically
Use of technology to solve variety of equations,
including those where there is no appropriate analytic
approach.
Applications of graphing skills and solving equations
that relate to real-life situations

Notes
Revision, test and feedback (4 hours)
End of Year 1
Unit 13: (17 hours) Polynomials
IB Concepts Approximation, Generalization

Topic Syllabus Code Description AA AA AI AI Hours

Textbook Exercise(s) Textbook Exercise(s)
Reference Reference
Topic 1 – AA 1.12 Complex numbers: the number I where i^2 = -1 3F - R 17
Number and Cartesian form: z = a + bi; the terms real part, imaginary
Algebra part, conjugate, modulus and argument
The complex plane (argand diagrams)
Topic 2 - 2.12 Polynomial functions, their graphs and equations; zeros,
Functions roots and factors.
The factor and remainder theorems.
Sum and product of the roots of polynomial equations.
Topic 1- 1.16 Solutions of systems of linear equations (a maximum of
Number and three equations in three unknowns), including cases
Algebra where there is a unique solution, an infinite number of
solutions or no solution

Notes
Revision, test and feedback (4 hours)
Unit 14: (14 hours) Differentiation
IB Concepts Equivalence, Relationships

Topic Syllabus Code Description AA AA AI AI Hours

Textbook Exercise(s) Textbook Exercise(s)
Reference Reference
Topic 5 - AA 5.1 Introduction to the concept of a limit 4A - D 14
Calculus Derivative interpreted as gradient function and as rate of
change
5.12 Informal understanding of continuity and
differentiability of a function at a point
Understanding of limits (convergence and divergence)
Definition of derivative from first principles
Higher derivatives
5.2 Increasing and decreasing functions. 4M – Q, S,
Graphical interpretation of f'(x)>0, f'(x)=0, f'(x)<0 U

5.8 Values of x where the gradient of a curve is zero.

Solution of f'(x)=0
Local minimum and maximum points
5.7 The second derivative
Graphical behaviour of functions, including the
relationship between the graphs of f, f' and f''
5.8 Testing for maximum and minimum
Points of inflexion with zero and non-zero gradients

5.14 Implicit differentiation

Related rates of change
Optimisation problems

Notes
Unit 15: (15 hours) Trigonometry
IB Concepts Change, Relationships, Generalization

Topic Syllabus Code Description AA AA AI AI Hours

Textbook Exercise(s) Textbook Exercise(s)
Reference Reference
Topic 3 – AA 3.6 The Pythagorean identity (cosx)^2 + (sinx)^2 = 1. 6F, J – M, 15
Geometry and P – R, T -
trigonometry W
AA 3.6 Double angle identities for sine and cosine
The relationship between trigonometric ratios

AA 3.8 Solving trigonometric equations in a finite interval

graphically

3.8 Solving trigonometric equations in a finite interval

analytically
Equations leading to quadratic equations in sinx, cosx or
tanx
3.9 Definition of the reciprocal trigonometric ratios secx,
cosecx and cotx
Pythagorean identities: 1+(tanx)^2 = (secx)^2 and
1+(cotx)^2 = (cosecx)^2
The inverse functions arcsinx arccosx and arctanx, their
domains and ranges; their graphs
3.10 Compound angle identities
Double angle identity for tan

Topic 5 - 5.15 Derivatives of tanx, secx, cosecx, cotx, a^x, log(basea)x,

Calculus arcsinx, arctanx
Indefinite integrals of the derivatives of any of the above
functions
The composites of any of these with a linear function
Use of partial fractions to rearrange the integrand
5.4 Tangents and normals at a given point, and their
equations

Notes
Unit 16: (5 hours) Integration
IB Concepts Representation, Quantity

Topic Syllabus Code Description AA AA AI AI Hours

Textbook Exercise(s) Textbook Exercise(s)
Reference Reference
5 - Calculus AA 5.16 Integration by parts 7J - L 5
Repeated integration by parts

Notes
Revision, test and feedback (4 hours)
Christmas
Unit 17: (13 hours) Higher Level Calculus
IB Concepts Quantity, Space, Representation

Topic Syllabus Code Description AA AA AI AI Hours

Textbook Exercise(s) Textbook Exercise(s)
Reference Reference
Topic 5 - AA 5.13 The evaluation of the limits of the form lim x->a 8E - L 13
Calculus (f(x)/g(x)) and lim x-> infinity (f(x)/g(x)) using
l'Hopital's rule or the Maclaurin series
Repeated use of L'Hopital's rule
5.18 First order differential equations
Numerical solution of dy/dx=f(x,y) using Euler's method
Variables separable
Homogeneous differential equation dy/dx=f(y/x) using
the substitution y=vx
Solution of y' + P(x)y = Q(x), using the integrating
factor
5.19 Maclaurin series to obtain expansion for e^x, sinx, cosx,
Ln(1+x), (1+x)^p, p is rational
Use of simple substitution, products, integration and
differentiation to obtain other series
Maclaurin series developed from differential equations

Notes
Unit 18: (15 hours) Vectors
IB Concepts Space, Relationships

Topic Syllabus Code Description AA AA AI AI Hours

Textbook Exercise(s) Textbook Exercise(s)
Reference Reference
Topic 3 – AA 3.12 Concept of a vector and scalar 9A - L 15
Geometry and Representation of vectors using directed line segments
trigonometry Unit vectors; base vectors I, j and k
Components of a vector; column representation
The zero vector 0, the vector -v
Position vector OA-> = a
Rescaling and normalizing vectors
3.12 Position vectors; displacement vectors
Algebraic and geometric approaches to the following:
- the sum and difference of two vectors
- the zero vector 0, the vector -v
- Multiplication by a scalar kv, parallel vectors
- Magnitude of a vector
- Position vectors OA
- displacement vector AB = b-a
Proofs of geometrical properties using vectors
3.13 The definition of the scalar product of two vectors
The angle between two vectors
Perpendicular vectors; parallel vectors
3.14 Vector equation of a line in two and three dimensions:
r = a + tb, where b is a direction vector of the line
Vectors
The angle between two lines
Simple applications to kinematics
3.15 Coincident, parallel, intersecting and skew lines,
distinguishing between these cases.
Points of intersection
3.16 Definition and calculation of the vector product of two
vectors
Geometric interpretation of |v x w|
Properties of the vector product
 3.17 Vector equations of a plane and cartesian equation of a
plane

3.18 Intersections of: a line with a plane; two planes; three

planes
Angle between: a line and a plane; two planes

Notes
Unit 19: (9 hours) Complex Numbers

IB Concepts Change, Modelling

Topic Syllabus Code Description AA AA AI AI Hours

Textbook Exercise(s) Textbook Exercise(s)
Reference Reference
Topic 1 – AA 1.13 Modulus -argument (polar form): 10A - F 9
Number and z = r(cosx+isinx) = rcisx
Algebra Exponential form / Euler form:
z=re^itheta
Sums, products and quotients in cartesian, polar or Euler
forms and their geometric interpretation
1.14 Complex conjugate roots of quadratic and polynomial
equations with real coefficients
De Moivre's theorem and its extension to rational
exponents
Powers and roots of complex numbers

Notes
Revision, test and feedback (4 hours)