One of the most surprising shifts for students in IB Maths AI is learning that perfection is not the goal. Many students are trained to chase exact answers, clean decimals, and flawless algebra. In Applications & Interpretation, IB deliberately moves away from this mindset and rewards reasonableness instead.
The main reason is realism. AI Maths is built around real-world contexts where exact values rarely exist. Data is sampled, measurements are rounded, models are simplified, and assumptions are made. In these situations, insisting on perfect precision would be misleading. IB instead rewards answers that make sense within the context and method used.
Reasonableness reflects understanding, not carelessness. A reasonable answer shows that a student has considered scale, direction, and context. For example, recognising that a probability should be small, a prediction should fall within a sensible range, or an estimate should match real-world expectations demonstrates control far beyond mechanical accuracy.
IB also values reasonableness because it protects against overconfidence. Perfect-looking numbers can create the illusion of certainty where none exists. By rewarding reasonable answers, IB encourages students to acknowledge uncertainty and variability — core ideas in statistics, probability, and modelling.
Another key reason is fairness in marking. Many AI questions allow multiple valid approaches. Different methods may produce slightly different numerical results. IB recognises this and avoids penalising students whose answers differ slightly but are logically consistent and well justified.
Students often lose marks by overcorrecting. They second-guess sensible answers because the number looks “ugly” or doesn’t match expectations. IB explicitly accepts awkward decimals, approximations, and estimates, as long as they are explained clearly.
Reasonableness also ties closely to interpretation. A student who explains why an answer is reasonable — by referencing assumptions, limitations, or context — often earns more marks than a student who presents a precise value with no explanation.
IB is not lowering standards. It is shifting standards. The goal is not flawless computation, but sound judgement.
Once students stop chasing perfection and start checking whether their answers make sense, their confidence and consistency improve dramatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this mean accuracy doesn’t matter?
Accuracy still matters, but it is not the only — or main — source of marks.
What makes an answer “reasonable”?
It fits the context, follows logically from the method, and is interpreted correctly.
Can a rounded or estimated value earn full marks?
Yes, if it is justified and sensible.
RevisionDojo Call to Action
IB Maths AI rewards judgement, not just precision. RevisionDojo is the best platform for IB Maths AI because it trains students to estimate confidently, sense-check results, and explain why answers are reasonable. If you’re losing marks chasing perfection, RevisionDojo helps you focus on what IB actually values.
