<p>"They are very different curriculums. If you look at the link in #30 above, you will see it is dated 1999 and it is what is tested in the IB HL Math test. If your school only offers the trig/calc sequence, you will not be prepared for the IB HL Math test. It includes statistics and probability, analytical geomentry, vectors, and other subjects not covered by the AP curriculum."</p>
<p>I thought that precalculus included analytic geometry. Calculus III usually covers vectors. Probability should be woven into Algebra I, II and either College Algebra, Intermediate Algebra or Precalculus. It's usually not treated in a lot of depth though. Coverage of combinatorics and probability is usually better in discrete math. Is statistics in IB that useful in college (beyond the usual statistics sprinkled into hs math programs? Wouldn't it be more useful to just take mathematical statistics in college if it is needed?</p>
<p>Some incorrect information. Some colleges give credit for both SL and HL courses. It is not always the case that credit is only offered for HL courses. Check out all schools to see what they do. I am in a european school and SL courses are taught over two years. There is some leeway in how courses are offered.</p>
<p>owlice - just wanted to get back and answer your question. After Honors Alg. II & Trig, there are no other math classes offered at our school except the IB sequences, Intro to Stats, and AP Calculus. Regular alg. II is the top required for graduation and university entrance in our state, and most students at our HS don't reach that level!
What I've been told is that what we call IB Math Methods SL - taught over two years, includes the equivalent of the AP Calculus class taught at our school. The IB HL, taught over two years, covers AP Calc AB, plus an additional year past calculus.
I'm pretty sure after the help of this thread, and a meeting with the math dept. next week, S will end up taking either IB Math Methods I for grade 10, followed by the same class level II, then skip math senior year OR take Math Studies I and II for grades 10 and 11, and if still excited, take AP Calc. senior year. Either route would work for the IB diploma with math as an SL subject. Everyone's input has been helpful! I feel like I should come back on later and let you know how he did on his final :) He's studying !</p>