Why Precision in Explanation Is the Mark of Mathematical Maturity
In the IB Math IA, examiners look for more than correct answers — they look for understanding clearly communicated.
A well-written explanation proves that you didn’t just use mathematics — you understood it deeply.
Vague or incomplete explanations often cost marks in Mathematical Communication and Use of Mathematics.
That’s why RevisionDojo’s IA/EE Guide, Exemplars, and Writing Prompts teach you how to express complex ideas with clarity, logic, and precision — the way examiners expect.
Quick-Start Checklist
Before writing any explanation:
- Understand what your math shows, not just what it calculates.
- Use logical transitions (“therefore,” “hence,” “as a result”).
- Define variables before using them.
- Connect math to meaning in every paragraph.
- Review RevisionDojo’s Exemplars for model phrasing.
Step 1: Explain the Purpose Before the Process
Never drop into equations without context.
First, explain why you’re doing the calculation.
Example:
“To determine the maximum height reached by the projectile, I differentiated the height function with respect to time and set the derivative to zero.”
This one sentence shows reasoning, technique, and understanding.
RevisionDojo’s Mathematical Clarity Builder helps you start each section with a short purpose statement.
Step 2: Define All Variables Clearly
Before introducing formulas, define every variable — even the obvious ones.
This makes your work self-contained and professional.
Example:
“Let h represent the height in meters, t represent time in seconds, and v₀ represent initial velocity.”
RevisionDojo’s Symbol Reference Tool reminds you to define variables consistently throughout your IA.
Step 3: Link Each Step Logically
Each line of your reasoning should flow naturally into the next.
Use connecting words to signal cause and effect:
- “Since…”
- “Therefore…”
- “It follows that…”
- “By substitution…”
RevisionDojo’s Writing Prompts Library offers pre-approved connective phrases that strengthen logical flow.
Step 4: Interpret After Every Calculation
Raw numbers don’t show understanding — your interpretation does.
After each step, explain what the result means in context:
“This indicates that the population doubles approximately every 3.2 years.”
RevisionDojo’s Math Interpretation Prompts guide you in translating mathematical results into meaningful sentences.
Step 5: Use Complete Sentences for Key Equations
Avoid isolated formulas with no surrounding explanation.
Blend them into full, readable sentences.
Example:
“The model can be represented by the exponential function P(t) = 120e⁰·²t, where P(t) represents population growth over time.”
This approach makes your math accessible and examiner-friendly.
Step 6: Avoid Over-Explaining the Obvious
While clarity is key, don’t waste space explaining simple algebraic manipulations.
Focus your writing energy on why you’re doing something, not how to do it.
RevisionDojo’s Conciseness Checker helps strike this balance automatically.
Step 7: Use Consistent Mathematical Language
Mathematical language should be formal and precise.
Avoid casual phrasing like “plug in the numbers” or “do some math.”
Instead, say:
- “Substitute the known values into the equation.”
- “Evaluate the expression for x = 5.”
RevisionDojo’s Tone Analyzer reviews your writing for professional and academic phrasing.
Step 8: Use Diagrams and Graphs to Support Explanations
Sometimes a visual clarifies what words cannot.
Include labeled diagrams when describing geometric relationships or function behavior.
Then refer to them explicitly:
“As shown in Figure 2, the curve approaches an asymptote as x increases.”
RevisionDojo’s Diagram Assistant helps you pair visuals with accompanying explanations effectively.
Step 9: Rephrase Formulas Into Words
Demonstrate understanding by explaining what a formula means.
Example:
“The integral of velocity over time represents total displacement — the area under the velocity-time graph.”
This kind of phrasing connects abstract math to conceptual meaning — a hallmark of top-band work.
Step 10: Proofread for Logical and Mathematical Accuracy
Before submitting, read your IA aloud and ask:
- Does each explanation make sense logically?
- Did I define everything I used?
- Did I interpret every important result?
RevisionDojo’s Precision Checker scans for undefined terms, missing steps, and unclear reasoning automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long should my explanations be?
As long as necessary for clarity — but concise. Focus on reasoning, not repetition.
2. Should I explain every small algebraic step?
No. Explain conceptual steps, not mechanical ones.
3. How do I make my math writing sound more formal?
Use connecting words, avoid personal pronouns, and follow RevisionDojo’s phrasing prompts.
Final Thoughts
Mathematical precision is about clarity, not complexity.
Examiners reward students who can express ideas logically, elegantly, and accurately — not those who hide behind equations.
With RevisionDojo’s IA/EE Guide, Exemplars, and Writing Prompts, you’ll learn to write explanations that communicate insight as effectively as they calculate results.
Call to Action
Make your math writing shine.
Use RevisionDojo’s Writing Prompts and IA/EE Guide to master the art of mathematical precision and communication in your IA.
