The IB Mathematics Applications and Interpretation course aims to help students understand the world through a mathematical lens, with particular emphasis on mathematical modeling and statistical analysis, both of which leverage the power of technology. This two-year course of study develops theory in order to tackle applications. As their IB Internal Assessment, students complete a project–including a formal paper–with a strong mathematical modeling focus. Topics studied include descriptive statistics, probability, inferential statistics, and Markov chains; calculus and differential equations; graphs and graph algorithms for trees, the traveling salesman problem and the Chinese postman problem; vectors, matrices, complex numbers, and linear algebra. This course assumes strong algebraic, function analysis, and graphing skills. Students with a desire to tackle practical, concrete problems in the areas of biology, ecology, economics, business, urban planning, and other applied domains will find the techniques developed in this class useful (and hopefully fulfilling!).
This course consists of five mods, the first three of which can be taken in any order. At least one of these first three mods must be taken in 11th grade. The final two-mod sequence is taken in 12th grade. One of the first three mods and the final two mods are specific to this course, the other two are the first mod of Calculus (MAT410A) and the common AP/IB HL statistics mod. Students who have already taken a calculus course do not need the calculus mod. Students who have already taken AP Statistics do not need the statistics mod.
Students who enroll in this course must sit for the IB exam.
Min-Max Credit Hours: 4.0-5.0
Parents/Guardians: Please join the Parent and Guardian Association (PGA) for dinner in the dining hall at 5:30 p.m. before its final meeting of the school year on Monday, April 17. The meeting will be from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the MDA Library Conference Room. Those unable to attend in person may join virtually via Zoom.