Math Studies SL Syllabus Outline

The essence of mathematics is not to make simple things complicated, but to make complicated things simple. ~S. Gudder

Topic 1:Introduction to the graphic display calculator.

Topic 2:Number and Algebra

  • Sets of Numbers
  • Approximation, Rounding, and Estimation
  • Use of Scientific Notation
  • SI and Other Basic System of Units
  • Arithmetic and Geometric Sequences, Series, and Applications
  • Solving Linear and Quadratic Equations

Topic 3:Sets, Logic, and Probability

  • Basic Concepts of Set Theory and Set Relations
  • Venn Diagrams and Applications
  • Sample Space
  • Basic Concepts of Symbolic Logic
  • Compound Statements
  • Truth Tables, Contradiction, and Tautology
  • Implication and Related Concepts
  • Introduction to Probability
  • Laws of Probability

Topic 4:Functions

  • Concept of Mapping
  • Linear Functions
  • Quadratic Functions
  • Exponential Functions
  • Sine and Cosine Functions
  • Polynomial Functions
  • Rational Functions
  • Logarithmic Functions
  • Using a GDC to Solve Equations Involving Above Functions

Topic 5: Geometry and Trigonometry

  • Coordinates, Points, and Lines in Two Dimensions
  • Lines: Properties and Relationships
  • Right Triangle Trigonometry, Sine, Cosine, and Tangent
  • Sine and Cosine Rules and Area of a Triangle
  • Geometry of Solids

Topic 6: Statistics

  • Discrete and Continuous Data
  • Frequency Tables and Polygons
  • Grouped and Continuous Data, Histograms, and Stem Plots
  • Cumulative Frequency, Box Plots, Percentiles, and Quartiles
  • Measures of Central Tendency for Discrete and Continuous Data
  • Measures of Dispersion
  • Scatter Diagrams and Linear Correlation
  • Bivariate Data
  • Linear Regression
  • The Chi-Squared Test

Topic 7: Introductory Differential Calculus

  • Gradient of a Line Through Two Points on a Curve and Tangent to a Curve
  • Derivatives of Polynomials and Negative Powers of the Variable
  • Gradient of a Curve and Equation of a Tangent to a Curve
  • Increasing and Decreasing Functions
  • Zero Gradient, Local Maxima and Minima

I. B. Math Studies Assessment

External Assessment 80%

Paper 1

15 compulsory short-response questions

based on the entire syllabus 40%

Paper 2

5 compulsory extended-response questions

bases on the entire syllabus 40%

Internal Assessment 20%

Project

An individual piece of work involving the collection

of information or the generation of measurements,

and the analysis and evaluation of the information

or measurements.

Textbooks

Mathematical Studies (Course Companion), by Bedding, Coad, Forrest, Fussey, and de Tokman, OxfordUniversity

Press, 2007

Mathematical Studies Standard Level, Strid and Tobin, IBID PRESS, 2005