May 2026 · Final weeks
IB Math AI SL Paper 2 Predicted Questions 2026
The long-question topics most likely to appear in May 2026 Paper 2 — with GDC. Sinusoidal models, regression, financial maths, and calculus are all signalled by past paper data.
Math AI SL Paper 2 Crash Course
Long questions require a plan, not luck.
Learn the GDC methods that unlock top marks.
This crash course targets the Paper 2 topics with the highest past-paper frequency — sinusoidal models, GDC regression, financial maths, stationary points, sequences — with GDC-first worked examples and long-question structure practice.
- Sinusoidal model walkthroughs — the single highest-signal long question in Paper 2.
- GDC regression drills: setting up, reading output, and writing interpolation answers.
- Financial maths methods: loans, annuities, and compound growth worked end-to-end.
- Calculus long question practice: stationary points, optimisation, and context writing.
Most likely Paper 1 focus areas
Based on frequency analysis across all May 2021–2025 past paper sessions
- 1Sinusoidal models (long question) — appeared in 4 out of 5 May sessions, Paper 2 exclusively
- 2GDC regression + interpolation — 4 years, typically a long question with multiple parts
- 3Stationary points and local max/min (calculus) — 4 years, both papers
- 4Arithmetic or geometric sequences — strongly present in 2024 and 2025
- 5Financial maths: loans or annuities — 2 years, Paper 2 long question
- 6Sine/cosine rule in triangle geometry — 3 years, both papers
- 7Standard deviation and extended stats question — appeared in 2024 and 2025
- 8Optimisation in context (calculus) — 2 years, Paper 2 only
How to use these predictions effectively
- 1Prioritize sinusoidal models and GDC regression — both have appeared nearly every year.
- 2For long questions, practise writing full working even when using GDC — marks follow method.
- 3Drill GDC regression setup until it is automatic: stat mode, table entry, equation recall.
- 4After each practice, check your answer structure: setup, working, answer with units, context.
Ready to walk in confident on Math AI SL Paper 2?
The crash course gives you the right topics, GDC-first worked methods, and long-question practice reps to score well on Paper 2.
Join the Math AI SL Paper 2 crash course