AA HL Paper 3

AA HL Paper 3 is the advanced exploration paper of IB Math Analysis & Approaches. It tests deep understanding through extended, multi-step problems. Students must apply concepts creatively, using strong reasoning and mathematical insight. This paper challenges even top scorers and requires thorough practice and clarity.
13th-14th April, 1800-2000: U.K. time

Online Revision Course

Mastering IB Maths AA HL Paper 3

The IB Maths Analysis and Approaches Higher Level (AA HL) Paper 3 is the most demanding exam in the DP, accounting for 20% of your final grade. This 75-minute paper is unique, focusing on investigation, mathematical proof, and complex conceptual understanding—not just rote calculation.

It consists of only two extended-response questions that test the deepest HL-only content, such as Proof by Induction, Complex Numbers, and Advanced Differential Equations.

Strategy for Success:

  1. Master Command Terms: Pay strict attention to words like “Hence” and “Prove” to earn full method marks.

  2. Use Your GDC to Investigate: Use your calculator to explore patterns and verify results before formal proof.

  3. Manage Time: Allocate exactly 35 minutes per question. If you get stuck, make a reasonable assumption and move on to secure Follow-Through Marks.

  4. Practice Rigor: Train using specialized investigative questions to prepare for unfamiliar scenarios.

IB Demystified offers specialized courses led by IB Examiners focused on these exact Paper 3 techniques, giving you the insider knowledge to convert this challenging paper into a Grade 7 success.

Secure your top score by enrolling in our AA HL Paper 3 Revision Course today.

2 daysHLDP2Max 8 students per class
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Cross-Topic Integration

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Unseen Question Strategies

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Our course span two days, with each day comprising 2 hours of engaging instruction.

Scheduled 1800-2000 (UK Time)

Ensure Zoom is installed and ready for seamless participation.

Fret not if you miss a part—we record the entire session.

Revisit the material at your convenience with the recording.

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AA HL Paper 3

£199

  • • Join the live online class for 2 days.
  • • Spanning 4 hours of complete paper 3 revision.
  • • A small, focused group of 8 students.
  • • Complete course recording available anytime.
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FAQS

What is the main difference between Paper 3 and Paper 1/Paper 2?

Paper 3 is the Investigative Paper. Unlike Papers 1 and 2, which test standard problem-solving and application, Paper 3 tests your ability to conduct a sustained mathematical inquiry. It focuses on proof, conjecture, derivation, and rigorous communication. It only has two long, multi-part questions, making depth of understanding more critical than breadth.

Paper 3 heavily features the content unique to the Higher Level syllabus. The most common high-level concepts tested are:

 
  • Proof by Mathematical Induction.

  • Complex Numbers (especially geometry and roots of unity).

  • Advanced Differential Equations (solving first and second order).

  • Series, Sequences, and Power Series (convergence and Taylor/Maclaurin series).

Yes, the GDC is required for Paper 3. Students must use it strategically, not just for computation, but for exploring functions, making conjectures, and verifying patterns before attempting the formal proof or derivation.

Paper 3 is worth 20% of your total final IB Math AA HL grade. This is the same weighting as your Internal Assessment (IA). Because of its high weight and high difficulty, mastering Paper 3 is often the key differentiator between a Grade 6 and a Grade 7.

This is a common situation. Never stop working. The most important strategy is to make a logical assumption for the missing result and use that assumption to complete the rest of the question. The IB grading system will grant you Follow-Through Marks (FT) for every correct subsequent step, even if your initial assumption was wrong.

Yes. The conceptual mastery and rigorous proof skills developed for Paper 3 significantly improve your performance on the most challenging questions in Papers 1 and 2. The disciplined use of the GDC and the focus on core HL content benefit all three components of the final assessment.