Mathematical Studies

Course summary

The IB realises the importance of mathematics for our everyday lives, without mathematics it is difficult to make informed decisions about almost anything. We use mathematics to decide on a bank account, order carpet, estimate a length, or read a newspaper. Mathematics provides an important key to understanding the world. Mathematics, for most of us, also extends into our chosen profession: artists need to learn about perspective; musicians need to appreciate the mathematical relationships within and between different rhythms; economists need to recognise trends in financial dealings; and engineers need to take account of stress patterns in physical materials. Scientists view Mathematics as a language that is central to our understanding of events that occur in the natural world. Some people enjoy the challenges offered by the logical methods of mathematics. Mathematics also provides us with the skills to be problem solvers and logical thinkers.