How to Tackle Tough IB Math Questions

This guide provides a structured, step-by-step approach to help IB Math students tackle challenging exam questions, especially when they feel stuck. It aims to reduce panic and guide you through identifying topics, using your formula booklet, and applying the right formulas to make progress.

These strategies are designed to be used whenever you encounter a question that seems difficult or unfamiliar. They provide a systematic way to break down the problem, access your resources (like the formula booklet), and make progress, even if you're not immediately sure of the solution. They are a great starting point when you are not sure how to proceed.

The guide advises not to dwell on a single tough question for too long. If you've followed the steps and are still stuck, move on to other questions and return to it later with a fresh perspective. Remember, one difficult question won't define your entire grade, so relax and try your best!

Yes, the core principles of this guide—taking a breath, reading carefully, highlighting information, using the formula booklet, and matching formulas—are universally applicable across all IB Math courses (Analysis and Approaches, Applications and Interpretation, both SL and HL). The specific topics and formulas will differ, but the problem-solving approach remains valuable.

Lanterna's expert IB Math tutors can work with you to master these problem-solving strategies and apply them to specific topics. They provide personalised support, clarify complex concepts, practice exam-style questions, and help you build confidence, ensuring you're well-prepared for any challenge the exam throws your way across all IB Math subjects at SL and HL.

Our IB Math tutors are high-achieving IB graduates (many scoring 40+ points), experienced teachers with over 10 years of experience, and some even have examiner experience. They understand the IB curriculum deeply and can offer insights into common pitfalls, effective study techniques, and how to maximise your marks, providing truly 'insider' knowledge.

The Lanterna IB consultation is a free, no-pressure 20–30 minute session with an IB Student Success Expert. It's designed to help you gain clarity on your current situation, whether you're struggling with IB Math, managing your workload, or planning for university. You can ask anything and clear up doubts about what's coming next.

Yes, absolutely. The consultation is completely free of charge and comes with zero obligation to book tutoring. Our goal is to provide valuable guidance and a personalised plan to help you succeed in the IB, backed by the experience of a team that’s supported thousands of IB students.

Our Student Success Experts are highly knowledgeable individuals with deep experience in the IB Diploma Programme. They understand the challenges students and parents face and are skilled at helping you identify your strengths, weaknesses, and the best path forward to achieve your academic goals, offering a simple, personalised plan.

After your free consultation, you'll walk away with a clear, personalised plan outlining what to focus on now (and what to stop wasting time on). You'll have a better understanding of your next steps in your IB journey, and if you wish, you can explore how Lanterna's tutoring could further support you, but there's no pressure to do so.