Introduction
A math formula sheet is one of the most valuable tools for IB students preparing for exams. While the official IB Math booklet provides formulas during assessments, creating your own math formula sheet ensures that you memorize high-frequency formulas and organize them in a way that makes sense for your revision.
Both HL and SL students benefit from a personalized formula sheet—it keeps revision structured, reinforces memory, and saves time in the long run.
Quick Start Checklist
When creating your math formula sheet for IB Math:
- Identify which formulas are most commonly used in HL or SL.
- Group them by topic (algebra, trigonometry, calculus, probability, etc.).
- Use color coding for easy navigation.
- Keep it concise—only include formulas you actually use.
- Practice with your formula sheet during past paper revision.
Why a Math Formula Sheet Helps IB Students
- Memorization: Writing formulas by hand boosts recall.
- Confidence: Helps reduce reliance on the exam booklet.
- Organization: Groups important formulas together, making revision efficient.
- Application practice: Encourages using formulas in real IB-style problems.
Essential Formulas to Include
Algebra
- Quadratic formula: x = (–b ± √(b² – 4ac)) / 2a
- Binomial expansion: (a + b)ⁿ
Trigonometry
- Sine rule: a/sin A = b/sin B = c/sin C
- Cosine rule: c² = a² + b² – 2ab cos C
- sin²θ + cos²θ = 1
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 and Statistics
- P(A ∪ B) = P(A) + P(B) – P(A ∩ B)
- Binomial: P(X = k) = (nCk)(p^k)(1 – p)^(n – k)
Vectors (HL only)
- |a| = √(x² + y² + z²)
- a • b = |a||b|cosθ
How to Use Your Math Formula Sheet
- Daily drills: Test yourself on one section per day.
- Apply formulas to problems: Don’t just memorize—use them.
- Condense over time: Start with a big list, then trim to essentials.
- Compare with the IB booklet: Ensure consistency with official exam resources.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overstuffing the sheet: More formulas = more confusion.
- Copying passively: Simply writing them down isn’t enough—practice is key.
- Neglecting HL-specific formulas: HL students must include vectors, advanced calculus, and probability.
- Not practicing with it: The sheet is a tool, not just a pretty list.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why make a math formula sheet if the IB booklet is provided?
Because creating your own sheet helps with memorization and speeds up recall. You’ll rely less on the booklet in the exam.
2. Should HL and SL sheets be different?
Yes. HL students need advanced topics like vectors, series, and distributions, while SL students can focus on algebra, trig, and core calculus.
3. How many formulas should my sheet include?
Aim for around 20–30 of the most important formulas. Too many makes it overwhelming.
4. Can I take my math formula sheet into the exam?
No, only the IB Math booklet is allowed. Your sheet is a study tool.
5. What’s the best way to memorize formulas?
Practice active recall: cover the formula and test yourself, then apply it in exam-style problems.
Conclusion
Creating your own math formula sheet is one of the smartest ways to prepare for IB Math. It helps you memorize, organize, and apply formulas in real exam conditions. When combined with the official IB booklet, it becomes a powerful revision strategy that boosts confidence and performance.
RevisionDojo can help you refine your sheet and guide your exam preparation with proven methods.
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