Introduction
For every IB Math student, having a math formula sheet is one of the best ways to stay organized and efficient while preparing for exams. While the IB provides the official IB Math booklet during the actual exam, many students benefit from creating a math formula sheet of their own for study and revision.
This sheet isn’t just a list of formulas—it’s a tool for memorization, quick reference, and active practice. A well-designed math formula sheet helps both HL and SL students focus on the most important equations and avoid confusion in exam situations.
Quick Start Checklist
When creating a math formula sheet for IB Math, remember to:
- Include only formulas relevant to your HL or SL course.
- Group formulas by topic (trigonometry, calculus, probability, etc.).
- Write them clearly, with consistent notation.
- Use color coding or highlights for high-frequency formulas.
- Regularly test yourself by covering parts of the sheet.
Why You Need A Math Formula Sheet
Even though the IB Math booklet is provided in the exam, there are three reasons to make your own:
- Memorization practice: Writing formulas by hand reinforces memory.
- Speed: Memorizing key formulas reduces reliance on the exam booklet.
- Organization: Having formulas grouped by topic makes revision smoother.
This strategy is especially important for HL students, who face extended problems that require multiple formulas from different areas.
Must-Have Formulas for Your Sheet
Trigonometry
- Sine Rule: a/sin A = b/sin B = c/sin C
- Cosine Rule: c² = a² + b² – 2ab cos C
- Area of a triangle: ½ab sin C
Algebra
- Quadratic formula: x = (–b ± √(b² – 4ac)) / 2a
- Binomial expansion: (a + b)ⁿ
Calculus
- d/dx(sin x) = cos x
- d/dx(cos x) = –sin x
- ∫sin x dx = –cos x + C
- ∫cos x dx = sin x + C
Probability & Statistics
- P(A ∪ B) = P(A) + P(B) – P(A ∩ B)
- Binomial distribution: P(X = k) = (nCk)(p^k)(1 – p)^(n – k)
Vectors (HL only)
- |a| = √(x² + y² + z²)
- a • b = |a||b|cosθ
How to Practice with Your Math Formula Sheet
- Daily drills: Cover formulas and test your recall.
- Apply them: Use past paper questions to practice formulas in context.
- Update as you learn: Add notes or alternate forms of formulas as needed.
- Condense over time: Narrow down to the essentials as exams get closer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overloading the sheet: Too many unnecessary formulas make it messy.
- Copy-paste learning: Simply copying formulas doesn’t help—practice applying them.
- Ignoring notation: Examiners are strict about correct mathematical symbols.
- Forgetting differences between HL and SL: Some formulas only apply to HL.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. If the IB gives a formula booklet, why make my own sheet?
Because creating a math formula sheet helps with memorization, organization, and faster recall during practice.
2. Should HL and SL formula sheets look different?
Yes. HL includes extra topics like vectors, 3D geometry, and advanced calculus. SL should focus on algebra, trig, and probability.
3. How many formulas should I include?
Start broad, then condense to the top 20–30 formulas you use most often.
4. Can I bring my math formula sheet into the exam?
No. Only the official IB Math booklet is allowed. But your personal sheet is a valuable revision tool.
5. What’s the best way to memorize formulas?
Repetition, active recall, and applying them to past paper questions. Simply reading the sheet isn’t enough.
Conclusion
Creating a math formula sheet is one of the smartest ways to prepare for IB Math HL or SL. It reinforces memory, organizes your revision, and builds exam confidence. While the official IB booklet is your final resource, your own sheet is the perfect study companion.
RevisionDojo can help you structure and refine your formula sheet so that your revision is efficient, focused, and exam-ready.
RevisionDojo Call to Action
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