Basic algebra and arithmetic
Basics for IB Applications and Interpretation SL: sets, rounding, standard form, percentage error, powers, logarithms, quadratics and currency.
This topic brings together the basic number and algebra tools used throughout the Applications and Interpretation SL course: sets and Venn diagrams, rounding and standard form, percentage error, powers and logarithms, equations and systems and currency exchange. In the exam, almost all of these calculations are done on the graphic display calculator (GDC), but you need to know what is being asked and how to write the answer.
Recommended order
If you already know sets and rounding, go straight to powers and logarithms and equations. At the end of the topic you will find IB exam questions grouped by type, so you can practise each technique separately.
Operations with fractions, percentages, powers and linear equations (ESO level).
Sections in this topic
Sets, Venn diagrams and number sets
Union, intersection, complement, Venn diagrams and the sets ℕ, ℤ, ℚ and ℝ with worked examples. IB Applications and Interpretation SL.
3 worked examples Section 2Approximation, scientific notation and percentage error
Rounding, significant figures, scientific notation and percentage error with worked examples. IB Mathematics Applications and Interpretation SL.
3 worked examples Section 3Integer exponents and logarithms
Properties of integer exponents, logarithms in base 10 and base e, and exponential equations with the GDC in IB Applications and Interpretation SL.
3 worked examples Section 4Equations, inequalities and systems
Linear equations and inequalities, 2x2 systems by substitution, elimination and GDC, and the discriminant. IB Applications and Interpretation SL.
3 worked examples Section 5Currency exchange
Convert money between currencies: exchange rates, buying and selling rates, commissions and round trips. IB Applications and Interpretation SL.
3 worked examples End of topicIB exam questions for topic 1
IB exam questions on sets, approximation, error, powers, equations, quadratics, currency conversion and loans, by type and level, with step-by-step solutions.
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