Supported SL focus. First assessment 2021; current through 2028. First-assessment-2029 course is separate.. Remaining guide, assessment and practical requirements retain their recorded holds.
Prerequisites: read the stated quantities and units, use arithmetic and the model conditions below. Each lesson develops its own method before independent transfer.
These are original or explicitly fictional teaching examples, not actual measurements or completed assessed learner investigations.
1.2
Exact arithmetic and estimation
English
Can we pack without leftovers?
A supplier packs 72 pencils and 90 pens into identical gift bags. How can we avoid leftovers?
This lesson studies prime factor 质因数: A prime number that divides the integer exactly.
Choose the mathematical structure
Prime factors reveal shared structure. Use the smallest common prime powers for the HCF and the largest for the LCM. Estimate before calculating; use brackets to preserve the order of operations.
State the allowed inputs and units before calculating. An equation should express the relationship, not just record a calculator entry.
Check the result against the starting quantities. Substitute into the original relation, or compare the graph and numerical answer where appropriate.
Example:
72=2^3×3^2 and 90=2×3^2×5. Their HCF is 2×9=18. Make 18 bags with 4 pencils and 5 pens each. Their LCM is 2^3×3^2×5=360.
Test a tempting shortcut
The HCF divides both numbers; the LCM is a multiple of both. They answer different questions. A decimal estimate is not an exact fraction.
When a shortcut fails, identify the assumption it breaks. Keep an exact value until the requested final rounding.
Warn:
The HCF of two positive integers is always larger than either integer. This claim is false. Explain which definition or assumption it violates.
Interpret a new situation
For a non-calculator paper, keep fractions exact and show cancellation. For a calculator paper, enter the full expression and compare with your estimate.
A complete solution gives the mathematical result and explains what it means. Check that it is possible in the stated context.
Use this in your course
Current first-assessment-2021 Applications and Interpretation SL. This is authored concept support; the full guide is needed to certify every objective.
Give the method before the final answer, and use the paper's calculator and formula rules. Review a wrong answer by locating the first invalid step.
Key:
A prime number that divides the integer exactly. Choose the relationship, show the method, check its assumptions and interpret the result.
A coat is reduced by 20% to ¥240. The discount applies to the original price, not to the sale price.
This lesson studies multiplier 乘数: A factor that performs a percentage change in one multiplication.
Choose the mathematical structure
A p% increase has multiplier 1+p/100; a decrease has multiplier 1-p/100. Reverse a percentage by dividing by the multiplier. In a ratio, first find the total number of parts.
State the allowed inputs and units before calculating. An equation should express the relationship, not just record a calculator entry.
Check the result against the starting quantities. Substitute into the original relation, or compare the graph and numerical answer where appropriate.
Example:
Let the original price be P. The model is sale price=0.8P. Hence P=240/0.8=300. A later 20% increase gives 240×1.2=288, so the two changes do not cancel.
Test a tempting shortcut
A percentage uses a stated base. Subtracting the percentages loses that base. For compound change, multiply the multipliers; do not add the percentages.
When a shortcut fails, identify the assumption it breaks. Keep an exact value until the requested final rounding.
Warn:
A 20% decrease followed by a 20% increase restores the starting price. This claim is false. Explain which definition or assumption it violates.
Interpret a new situation
For direct proportion use y=kx; for inverse proportion use y=k/x. Calculate k from a known pair before using a new value. State what you held constant.
A complete solution gives the mathematical result and explains what it means. Check that it is possible in the stated context.
Use this in your course
Current first-assessment-2021 Applications and Interpretation SL. This is authored concept support; the full guide is needed to certify every objective.
Give the method before the final answer, and use the paper's calculator and formula rules. Review a wrong answer by locating the first invalid step.
Key:
A factor that performs a percentage change in one multiplication. Choose the relationship, show the method, check its assumptions and interpret the result.
A saving plan adds ¥30 more each week; a population model grows by 5% each year. Equal differences and equal ratios need different models.
This lesson studies common ratio 公比: The constant multiplier between consecutive terms of a geometric sequence.
Choose the mathematical structure
For an arithmetic progression, u_n=a+(n-1)d and S_n=n(2a+(n-1)d)/2. For a geometric progression, u_n=ar^(n-1) and S_n=a(1-r^n)/(1-r). An infinite geometric sum exists only if |r|<1.
State the allowed inputs and units before calculating. An equation should express the relationship, not just record a calculator entry.
Check the result against the starting quantities. Substitute into the original relation, or compare the graph and numerical answer where appropriate.
Example:
For a=5,d=3,n=8, u_8=5+7×3=26 and S_8=8(10+21)/2=124. For a=12,r=1/2, S infinity=12/(1-1/2)=24. For u_(n+1)=2u_n+1 with u_1=1, the next terms are 3,7,15.
Test a tempting shortcut
The first term has index 1, so the exponent is n-1. A sequence is a list; a series is a sum. A geometric sequence can alternate in sign and still converge.
When a shortcut fails, identify the assumption it breaks. Keep an exact value until the requested final rounding.
Warn:
Every geometric series has a finite sum to infinity. This claim is false. Explain which definition or assumption it violates.
Interpret a new situation
Explain whether the context justifies additive or multiplicative change. In finance, distinguish a single deposit from a stream of deposits before choosing a sum formula.
A complete solution gives the mathematical result and explains what it means. Check that it is possible in the stated context.
Use this in your course
Current first-assessment-2021 Applications and Interpretation SL. This is authored concept support; the full guide is needed to certify every objective.
Give the method before the final answer, and use the paper's calculator and formula rules. Review a wrong answer by locating the first invalid step.
Key:
The constant multiplier between consecutive terms of a geometric sequence. Choose the relationship, show the method, check its assumptions and interpret the result.
A line predicts bus travel time from distance. A small calculation error matters less than using a model outside its evidence.
This lesson studies residual 残差: The observed value minus the value predicted by a fitted model.
Choose the mathematical structure
A linear model y=a+bx has intercept a and slope b with contextual units. Inspect residuals and the data range. For repeated percentage change use a geometric model; for a loan distinguish principal, rate, repayment and period.
State the allowed inputs and units before calculating. An equation should express the relationship, not just record a calculator entry.
Work through a checked case
$$\widehat t=8+2d,\qquad e=t-\widehat t$$
Check the result against the starting quantities. Substitute into the original relation, or compare the graph and numerical answer where appropriate.
Example:
The fitted model t=8+2d predicts 18 minutes at d=5 km. If the observed time is 21, the residual is 3 minutes. A ¥1000 deposit at 5% compound annual interest becomes 1000×1.05³=1157.625 after 3 years.
Test a tempting shortcut
A good fit does not prove a causal mechanism. A correlation coefficient measures linear association, not the gradient. Calculator output must be translated into a model, checked and interpreted.
When a shortcut fails, identify the assumption it breaks. Keep an exact value until the requested final rounding.
Warn:
A high correlation permits reliable extrapolation to any distance. This claim is false. Explain which definition or assumption it violates.
Interpret a new situation
In IB AI, record the data source, domain, assumptions and calculator method. Compare an alternative model and judge predictions against residuals. A financial answer must state payment timing and whether interest is compounded.
A complete solution gives the mathematical result and explains what it means. Check that it is possible in the stated context.
Use this in your course
Current first-assessment-2021 Applications and Interpretation SL. This is authored concept support; the full guide is needed to certify every objective.
Give the method before the final answer, and use the paper's calculator and formula rules. Review a wrong answer by locating the first invalid step.
Key:
The observed value minus the value predicted by a fitted model. Choose the relationship, show the method, check its assumptions and interpret the result.
Supported SL focus. First assessment 2021; current through 2028. First-assessment-2029 course is separate.. Remaining guide, assessment and practical requirements retain their recorded holds.
Prerequisites: read the stated quantities and units, use arithmetic and the model conditions below. Each lesson develops its own method before independent transfer.
These are original or explicitly fictional teaching examples, not actual measurements or completed assessed learner investigations.
3.2
Angle reasoning, similarity and mensuration
English
Does volume scale like length?
A model has lengths one third of the real object. How much smaller are its area and volume?
This lesson studies scale factor 相似比: The multiplier that relates corresponding lengths in similar shapes.
Choose the mathematical structure
For similar shapes with length scale factor k, areas scale by k² and volumes by k³. State angle reasons explicitly. A circle's tangent is perpendicular to the radius at the contact point.
State the allowed inputs and units before calculating. An equation should express the relationship, not just record a calculator entry.
Check the result against the starting quantities. Substitute into the original relation, or compare the graph and numerical answer where appropriate.
Example:
If model-to-real length factor is 3, a model area of 12 cm² gives 12×3²=108 cm² and a model volume of 8 cm³ gives 8×3³=216 cm³. A cylinder with r=3,h=5 has volume πr²h=45π.
Test a tempting shortcut
Equal angles alone establish similarity, not equal size. Use corresponding lengths in the same order. Convert linear units before calculating area or volume, or square/cube the conversion factor correctly.
When a shortcut fails, identify the assumption it breaks. Keep an exact value until the requested final rounding.
Warn:
Doubling every length of a solid doubles its volume. This claim is false. Explain which definition or assumption it violates.
Interpret a new situation
A geometric proof should name the relevant theorem, identify the equal angle or ratio, and draw the conclusion. A scale drawing is evidence only when the task permits measurement.
A complete solution gives the mathematical result and explains what it means. Check that it is possible in the stated context.
Use this in your course
Current first-assessment-2021 Applications and Interpretation SL. This is authored concept support; the full guide is needed to certify every objective.
Give the method before the final answer, and use the paper's calculator and formula rules. Review a wrong answer by locating the first invalid step.
Key:
The multiplier that relates corresponding lengths in similar shapes. Choose the relationship, show the method, check its assumptions and interpret the result.
A ladder reaches a height of 4 m while its foot is 3 m from a wall. Which sides are known, and which angle do we need?
This lesson studies hypotenuse 斜边: The side opposite the right angle in a right-angled triangle.
Choose the mathematical structure
In a right triangle a²+b²=c²; sinθ=opposite/hypotenuse, cosθ=adjacent/hypotenuse and tanθ=opposite/adjacent. For other triangles, use the sine or cosine rule, or area=ab sin C/2.
State the allowed inputs and units before calculating. An equation should express the relationship, not just record a calculator entry.
Check the result against the starting quantities. Substitute into the original relation, or compare the graph and numerical answer where appropriate.
Example:
The ladder length is c=√(3²+4²)=5 m. Its angle to the ground satisfies tanθ=4/3, so θ≈53.1°. With two sides 6 and 8 enclosing 60°, c²=6²+8²-2×6×8 cos60°=52.
Test a tempting shortcut
Label sides relative to the chosen angle. Pythagoras needs a right angle. A calculator angle mode error can produce a plausible but wrong result. Keep unrounded values for later steps.
When a shortcut fails, identify the assumption it breaks. Keep an exact value until the requested final rounding.
Warn:
Pythagoras applies to every triangle, including triangles without a right angle. This claim is false. Explain which definition or assumption it violates.
Interpret a new situation
Use a plan or elevation for a three-dimensional problem before applying a triangle rule. Explain why the chosen triangle contains the required length or angle.
A complete solution gives the mathematical result and explains what it means. Check that it is possible in the stated context.
Use this in your course
Current first-assessment-2021 Applications and Interpretation SL. This is authored concept support; the full guide is needed to certify every objective.
Give the method before the final answer, and use the paper's calculator and formula rules. Review a wrong answer by locating the first invalid step.
Key:
The side opposite the right angle in a right-angled triangle. Choose the relationship, show the method, check its assumptions and interpret the result.
Supported SL focus. First assessment 2021; current through 2028. First-assessment-2029 course is separate.. Remaining guide, assessment and practical requirements retain their recorded holds.
Prerequisites: read the stated quantities and units, use arithmetic and the model conditions below. Each lesson develops its own method before independent transfer.
These are original or explicitly fictional teaching examples, not actual measurements or completed assessed learner investigations.
4.2
Data summaries, histograms and interpretation
English
Can one average tell the whole story?
Two groups have the same median but different spread. One summary cannot describe both location and consistency.
This lesson studies frequency density 频率密度: Frequency divided by class width, used as histogram height.
Choose the mathematical structure
Compare an appropriate average and spread in context. A histogram uses area for frequency, so height=frequency/class width. Grouped estimates assume representative values within intervals.
State the allowed inputs and units before calculating. An equation should express the relationship, not just record a calculator entry.
Check the result against the starting quantities. Substitute into the original relation, or compare the graph and numerical answer where appropriate.
Example:
A class from 10 to 20 with frequency 30 has density 30/10=3. A class from 20 to 40 with frequency 20 has density 20/20=1. Its wider bar must not be mistaken for a larger density. For values 2,4,4,6,9, the median is 4 and mean is 5.
Test a tempting shortcut
The tallest histogram bar need not contain the most observations. A grouped mean is an estimate. Correlation does not prove causation, and extrapolation extends beyond the observed range.
When a shortcut fails, identify the assumption it breaks. Keep an exact value until the requested final rounding.
Warn:
A histogram bar's height always equals its frequency, even with unequal class widths. This claim is false. Explain which definition or assumption it violates.
Interpret a new situation
Choose a display that fits the data type. Give both a numerical comparison and what it means for the population; do not infer more precision than the sample supports.
A complete solution gives the mathematical result and explains what it means. Check that it is possible in the stated context.
Use this in your course
Current first-assessment-2021 Applications and Interpretation SL. This is authored concept support; the full guide is needed to certify every objective.
Give the method before the final answer, and use the paper's calculator and formula rules. Review a wrong answer by locating the first invalid step.
Key:
Frequency divided by class width, used as histogram height. Choose the relationship, show the method, check its assumptions and interpret the result.
A bag has 3 red and 2 blue counters. Taking two without replacement changes the chance of the second colour.
This lesson studies conditional probability 条件概率: The probability of an event after restricting the sample space to a stated condition.
Choose the mathematical structure
Multiply along a tree branch and add disjoint branches. With replacement, the composition stays fixed. Conditional probability is P(A given B)=P(A∩B)/P(B), for P(B)>0.
State the allowed inputs and units before calculating. An equation should express the relationship, not just record a calculator entry.
Check the result against the starting quantities. Substitute into the original relation, or compare the graph and numerical answer where appropriate.
Example:
Without replacement, P(two red)=3/5×2/4=3/10. P(one of each)=3/5×2/4+2/5×3/4=3/5. If P(A∩B)=0.12 and P(B)=0.3, P(A given B)=0.4.
Test a tempting shortcut
Mutually exclusive means no overlap; independent means that knowing one event does not change the other's probability. Two disjoint events with positive probability are not independent.
When a shortcut fails, identify the assumption it breaks. Keep an exact value until the requested final rounding.
Warn:
Mutually exclusive events with positive probabilities must be independent. This claim is false. Explain which definition or assumption it violates.
Interpret a new situation
A two-way table makes the restricted denominator visible. Before using a product P(A)P(B), justify independence from the context or the supplied information.
A complete solution gives the mathematical result and explains what it means. Check that it is possible in the stated context.
Use this in your course
Current first-assessment-2021 Applications and Interpretation SL. This is authored concept support; the full guide is needed to certify every objective.
Give the method before the final answer, and use the paper's calculator and formula rules. Review a wrong answer by locating the first invalid step.
Key:
The probability of an event after restricting the sample space to a stated condition. Choose the relationship, show the method, check its assumptions and interpret the result.
A quality inspector counts defective items. The number is random, but a model can describe its likely range.
This lesson studies expected value 期望值: The probability-weighted mean of a random variable.
Choose the mathematical structure
A binomial model needs fixed n, independent trials, two outcomes and constant p. E(X)=np and Var(X)=np(1-p). For a normal model use z=(x-μ)/σ. A Poisson model describes counts with a constant rate and appropriate independence assumptions.
State the allowed inputs and units before calculating. An equation should express the relationship, not just record a calculator entry.
Work through a checked case
$$P(X=k)=\binom nk p^k(1-p)^{n-k},\qquad X\sim B(n,p)$$
Check the result against the starting quantities. Substitute into the original relation, or compare the graph and numerical answer where appropriate.
Example:
For X binomial(5,0.2), P(X=0)=0.8^5=0.32768, E(X)=1 and Var(X)=0.8. For a normal quantity with μ=100,σ=15, the value 130 has z=2. A Poisson mean of 3 per hour gives mean 6 over two hours.
Test a tempting shortcut
Not every count is binomial: changing p or dependence can invalidate it. For a continuous variable, the probability of one exact value is zero. Continuity correction matters when approximating a discrete distribution by a normal one.
When a shortcut fails, identify the assumption it breaks. Keep an exact value until the requested final rounding.
Warn:
Every count of successes has a binomial distribution regardless of dependence. This claim is false. Explain which definition or assumption it violates.
Interpret a new situation
Write the event as an inequality before using calculator distribution functions. Distinguish P(X<k), P(X≤k) and a tail complement. State assumptions in context.
A complete solution gives the mathematical result and explains what it means. Check that it is possible in the stated context.
Use this in your course
Current first-assessment-2021 Applications and Interpretation SL. This is authored concept support; the full guide is needed to certify every objective.
Give the method before the final answer, and use the paper's calculator and formula rules. Review a wrong answer by locating the first invalid step.
Key:
The probability-weighted mean of a random variable. Choose the relationship, show the method, check its assumptions and interpret the result.
A factory claims that only 10% of items are defective. A sample contains more defects, but chance alone may explain some difference.
This lesson studies significance level 显著性水平: The chosen probability threshold for rejecting a null hypothesis.
Choose the mathematical structure
State H₀ and H₁ in population parameters before inspecting the outcome. Calculate the appropriate tail probability under H₀. Reject H₀ when the evidence meets the specified significance rule; otherwise say there is insufficient evidence.
State the allowed inputs and units before calculating. An equation should express the relationship, not just record a calculator entry.
Work through a checked case
$$H_0:p=p_0,\qquad H_1:p>p_0$$
Check the result against the starting quantities. Substitute into the original relation, or compare the graph and numerical answer where appropriate.
Example:
For H₀:p=0.1 and H₁:p>0.1 with n=10, observing at least 3 defects has probability 1-(0.9^10+10×0.1×0.9^9+45×0.1²×0.9^8)≈0.070191. At 5%, this is insufficient evidence that the defect rate exceeds 10%.
Test a tempting shortcut
Failing to reject H₀ is not proof that H₀ is true. Choose the tail from H₁, not from whichever tail gives a small result. Statistical significance does not measure the practical size of an effect.
When a shortcut fails, identify the assumption it breaks. Keep an exact value until the requested final rounding.
Warn:
Failing to reject a null hypothesis proves it is true. This claim is false. Explain which definition or assumption it violates.
Interpret a new situation
Finish with a sentence about the population and the original claim. State the model's assumptions and consider whether the sampling procedure supports them.
A complete solution gives the mathematical result and explains what it means. Check that it is possible in the stated context.
Use this in your course
Current first-assessment-2021 Applications and Interpretation SL. This is authored concept support; the full guide is needed to certify every objective.
Give the method before the final answer, and use the paper's calculator and formula rules. Review a wrong answer by locating the first invalid step.
Key:
The chosen probability threshold for rejecting a null hypothesis. Choose the relationship, show the method, check its assumptions and interpret the result.
Supported SL focus. First assessment 2021; current through 2028. First-assessment-2029 course is separate.. Remaining guide, assessment and practical requirements retain their recorded holds.
Prerequisites: read the stated quantities and units, use arithmetic and the model conditions below. Each lesson develops its own method before independent transfer.
These are original or explicitly fictional teaching examples, not actual measurements or completed assessed learner investigations.
6.2
Planning a mathematical exploration
English
What makes an investigation mathematical?
A student wants to predict queue waiting time at the school canteen. A useful exploration needs a question, data and mathematics the student can explain.
This lesson studies assumption 假设: A condition adopted to make a mathematical model possible and whose effect should be evaluated.
Choose the mathematical structure
Frame a focused question with measurable variables and a feasible method. Keep a dated record of decisions, sources and mathematical reasoning. Use technology to support analysis, and explain every important output in your own words.
State the allowed inputs and units before calculating. An equation should express the relationship, not just record a calculator entry.
Work through a checked case
$$\widehat t=1+0.2n,\qquad e=t-\widehat t$$
Check the result against the starting quantities. Substitute into the original relation, or compare the graph and numerical answer where appropriate.
Example:
A pilot records mean waiting times of 3,5,7 minutes when 10,20,30 people are ahead. A first model is t=1+0.2n. At n=25 it predicts 6 minutes. An actual wait of 8 gives residual 2; investigate varying service rates rather than hiding the mismatch.
Test a tempting shortcut
Do not copy a sample exploration, invent data or manufacture personal engagement. A prediction is not evidence until it is compared with observations. Consent and privacy matter when collecting school data.
When a shortcut fails, identify the assumption it breaks. Keep an exact value until the requested final rounding.
Warn:
The school-supervised mathematical exploration can be replaced by a timed written mock exam. This claim is false. Explain which definition or assumption it violates.
Interpret a new situation
The school supervises topic approval, checkpoints, authenticity and assessment. For the current 2021 course use the current school's guide and criteria; the 2029 inquiry criteria belong to a different assessment version.
A complete solution gives the mathematical result and explains what it means. Check that it is possible in the stated context.
Use this in your course
Current first-assessment-2021 Applications and Interpretation SL. This is authored concept support; the full guide is needed to certify every objective.
Give the method before the final answer, and use the paper's calculator and formula rules. Review a wrong answer by locating the first invalid step.
Key:
A condition adopted to make a mathematical model possible and whose effect should be evaluated. Choose the relationship, show the method, check its assumptions and interpret the result.