Many IB Maths students lose marks on exam habits, not hard mathematics. These eight mistakes are the ones to look for first.
Many IB Maths students lose marks on exam habits rather than on difficult mathematics. These are the patterns that come up most often when teaching IB Diploma students one-to-one, in Karachi and online. Check the details against your own course (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation, SL or HL) and your teacher’s guidance.
1. Treating “show that” like “find”
A “show that” question gives you the answer. Marks are for the reasoning that gets there. If you jump to the given result, you can lose most of the marks.
Fix: write every step, and finish with the stated result. Don’t work backwards from the answer unless the question allows it.
2. Ignoring “hence”
“Hence” means use what you have just done. A different method may earn no marks, even if it is correct.
Fix: underline “hence” and “otherwise” in the question, and build on the previous part.
3. Rounding too early, or to the wrong accuracy
Rounding in the middle of a multi-step calculation can change the final answer. The usual IB convention is three significant figures unless the question says otherwise, but check the instructions on your paper.
Fix: keep full values on the calculator until the end, and round only the final answer.
4. Wrong calculator mode
A calculator left in degrees when the question uses radians (or the reverse) gives a wrong answer that looks plausible. In Analysis and Approaches, Paper 1 is a non-calculator paper, so exact values and clean algebra matter there. Check the paper rules for your own course.
Fix: check the mode at the start of every calculator paper, and practise non-calculator papers without a calculator.
5. Skipping working because “the calculator did it”
On calculator papers, an answer with no method can earn few marks if it is wrong. Showing the setup, such as the equation you entered or the values you used, can still earn method marks.
Fix: write what you did before you write the answer.
6. Ignoring context, domain and units
A probability above 1, a negative length, or a value outside the domain of the function are warning signs. Many questions ask you to interpret the result in context.
Fix: after each answer, ask whether it makes sense, and include units.
7. Weak notation
Mixing up equals signs, dropping brackets, or writing incomplete limits can cost marks even when the idea is right.
Fix: practise clean, line-by-line algebra, and use correct notation for functions and integrals.
8. Leaving the IA until too late
The Internal Assessment (20% of the final grade in the standard course structure) needs a workable topic, mathematical depth and a clear write-up. Starting late often leads to a rushed exploration. Check your school’s deadlines and the IB criteria.
Fix: pick a topic you can explain, plan the structure early, and keep the mathematics accurate.
A short plan for the weeks before the exam
- Sort your past errors into concept, method, calculator and time.
- Redo the lost questions a few days later without looking at the solution.
- Practise timed sections for both calculator and non-calculator papers.
- For HL, practise extended problem-solving questions.
Where to get support
Shariq Hussain has been tutoring since 1999 and teaches IB Maths AA and AI at SL and HL. For students in Karachi, lessons run at home in areas such as DHA and Clifton; you can read more about IB Maths tutoring in Karachi. For international students, see online IB tutoring.
The first session is a paid evaluation session, and regular coaching then starts with a 24-session commitment; see the Coaching Terms and the fees page for current details.
Frequently asked questions
Rounding errors, wrong calculator mode, skipped working, ignoring "hence", and a late start on the IA.
Yes. If the final answer is wrong, clear working can still earn some marks.
In Analysis and Approaches, Paper 1 is non-calculator. Regular practice without a calculator, using exact values and clean algebra, helps. Check the paper rules for your own course.
Yes. Sessions are live and one-to-one, and booking times appear in your local time zone.
Yes, in selected areas of Karachi. See the IB Maths tutor page for details.
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