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Mathematics Analysis and Approaches (AA) IA Exemplar: SET… | RevisionDojo
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IB Mathematics Analysis and Approaches (AA) HL Internal Assessment Example
Exploring probabilities in SETHL
6
Official IB Result
15/20
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Criteria A: Presentation
2/4
0
2
4
Criteria Strands
A.1Coherence and logical development
Moderate
A.2Organization and structure
Moderate
A.3Conciseness and relevance
Poor
Criteria Feedback
The report follows a broadly logical path from two‐attribute to ten‐attribute cases, helping the reader see how sections connect.
There is a recognisable structure with a title page, contents, numbered sections, and appendices.
Mathematical explanations are presented in a sequence that generally develops the investigation coherently.
Duplicated headings, broken tables, and stray symbols interrupt the flow and weaken coherence.
Frequent repetition of rules and oversized images reduce conciseness and relevance.
Mis-aligned figures and code listings breaking mid-line hinder readability and organization.
1.1·Weakness
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The list of four attributes duplicates earlier game rules. Condense this list by referencing the previous section or presenting only variations that change in the two‐attribute model.
1.2·Weakness
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Figure 1’s table is cluttered with stray characters and misaligned columns, interrupting the reader’s flow. Reformat the table to remove artifacts and improve legibility.
1.3·Weakness
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The general game‐rules paragraph in Section 2 repeats content unnecessary for the two‐attribute investigation. Remove or shorten to maintain focus.
1.4·Weakness
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The three‐attribute deck image is oversized and interrupts flow. Consider replacing it with a summary table of key card counts and attributes.
1.5·Weakness
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Figure 11 mapping is small and difficult to read, undermining its explanatory role. Enlarge the graphic or simplify to essential connections.
1.6·Weakness
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Figure 12’s multi‐line plot is dense and lacks a clear legend. Use distinct line styles or colors and annotate the inflection region for clarity.
1.7·Weakness
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The Python code listings contain OCR artifacts (e.g., “\ddot{6}values”). Provide clean, tested code in an appendix or online repository for reproducibility.
Criteria B: Mathematical Communication
4/4
0
2
4
Criteria Strands
B.1Mathematical language and notation
Moderate
B.2Multiple representations
Good
B.3Logical structure and clarity
Moderate
Criteria Feedback
Consistent use of standard combinatorial notation (bins, factorials) in most derivations supports clarity.
Effective use of tables, graphs, tree diagrams, and code extracts to illustrate key points.
Precise distinction between game terminology and mathematical set notation enhances conceptual accuracy.
Well-motivated generalisation to n attributes shows foresight and logical structure.
Occasional stray overlines and mis-placed fractions introduce minor confusion.
Some proofs (e.g., four-card generalisation) are incomplete or verbal; formalization would strengthen rigor.
Dense final formula in Equation 16 lacks inline commentary to guide interpretation.
Introduction of complement calculations is abrupt; a guiding sentence would aid less experienced readers.
2.1·Strength
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Clear distinction between the game‐specific “set” and the mathematical set strengthens conceptual clarity. This precision in language supports logical development.
2.2·Suggestion
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Provide formal symbolic definitions (e.g., using set notation) for terms like “set” and “variation” to reinforce mathematical rigor in the definitions section.
2.3·Strength
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The rationale for generalising to n attributes is well motivated and demonstrates foresight in simplifying later derivations.
2.4·Weakness
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The complement calculation P(No Set)=6/7 is correct but introduced abruptly. Add a sentence explaining “1−P(Set)” to guide less experienced readers.
2.5·Suggestion
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The impossibility proof for five cards relies on a verbal pigeonhole argument. Formalize this using combinatorial bounds or the pigeonhole principle to strengthen mathematical communication.
2.6·Suggestion
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Introduce the simulation approach by explicitly linking it to computational infeasibility of analytical enumeration for six or more cards.
2.7·Weakness
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The final general formula in Equation 16 is dense. Add inline commentary or label terms (intersets, single‐set groups, denominator) to aid reader interpretation.
Criteria C: Personal Engagement
2/3
0
2
3
Criteria Strands
C.1Independent thinking
Good
C.2Personal approach
Good
C.3Creativity and initiative
Good
Criteria Feedback
Extending the classic game to ten attributes and devising general formulas shows significant independent thinking.
The personal narrative in the introduction and use of self-written simulation code reflect a clear personal approach.
Switching between brute-force and Monte-Carlo methods demonstrates creativity and initiative in tackling computational challenges.
The approach, while clear, remains conventional and lacks an innovative twist that would elevate it further.
The personal narrative could be more concise and tightly linked to the mathematical investigation.
Although creative, the techniques used (simulation, combinatorics) are standard for this topic and do not reach exceptional levels.
3.1·Strength
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The introduction offers an engaging personal narrative but could be more concise. Consider summarizing key experiences and linking them directly to the mathematical investigation to maintain relevance.
Criteria D: Reflection
2/3
0
2
3
Criteria Strands
D.1Depth of reflection
Good
D.2Critical analysis
Good
D.3Evaluation of outcomes
Good
Criteria Feedback
Meaningful reflections on why analytical counting becomes impractical and on the limitations of simulation.
Thoughtful analysis of trends, such as identifying logarithmic-type behaviour and inflection regions.
Clear evaluation of outcomes and acknowledgement of limitations, with suggestions for future extensions.
Depth of reflection stops short of critical analysis of error margins or confidence intervals.
Future extension proposals are generic rather than specific and testable.
Discussion of unexpected sampling errors lacks detail on statistical reliability or remedial steps.
4.1·Strength
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The simplified two‐attribute attribute list is clearly presented, helping the reader transition to the reduced model.
4.2·Weakness
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Table 2 shows an unexpected probability jump at 19 cards, indicating sampling error. Discuss confidence intervals or increase trial count to justify reliability.
4.3·Strength
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Insightful identification of a logarithmic‐type decrease in probability demonstrates thoughtful critical analysis of trends.
4.4·Weakness
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Future extension proposals are creative but generic. Frame specific testable hypotheses (e.g., effect of 4 values per attribute on inflection point) to deepen reflection.
Criteria E: Use of Mathematics
5/6
0
3
6
Criteria Strands
E.1Relevance of mathematics
Good
E.2Level appropriateness
Good
E.3Understanding and accuracy
Good
Criteria Feedback
A broad and purposeful application of combinatorial methods, probability theory, and Monte-Carlo simulation.
Generalisation to n attributes demonstrates advanced mathematical thinking and course‐level rigor.
Code-based checks corroborate analytical results, reinforcing accuracy and understanding.
Clear explanations of permutation vs. combination and correct execution of key counts (e.g., total intersets).
Effective visual representations (figures) aid comprehension of complex arguments.
Occasional errors in derivations (e.g., four-card probability) and fraction simplifications.
Some generalisation steps are glossed over and would benefit from explicit combinatorial justification.
Clarification needed on restrictions for n in the general formula to avoid negative denominators.
5.1·Strength
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Figures 2 and 3 effectively illustrate valid and invalid sets, aiding comprehension through visual representation.
5.2·Weakness
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When generalising P(Set)=1/(3^n–2), clarify that 3^n is the deck size and discuss restrictions on n to avoid negative denominators.
5.3·Suggestion
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When deriving P(Set)=1/7, insert a brief combinatorial count (e.g., “there are 9×8/2=36 pairs and 36 possible third cards”) to show how the fraction emerges.
5.4·Weakness
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The derivation of P(No Set with Fourth Card)=1/2 glosses over how the denominator relates to 3^n−2 and 3^n−3. Include the general case for arbitrary n.
5.5·Strength
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The general formula P(No Set with three cards)=(3^n–3)/(3^n–2) is accurately stated and sets up the four‐card analysis well.
5.6·Strength
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The worked example on page 8 vividly demonstrates inevitability of a set in five cards; continue this visual approach to aid reader intuition.
5.7·Suggestion
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After applying the general formula for n=3, include a brief enumeration or simulated check to confirm P(No Set)=24/25, reinforcing accuracy.
5.8·Strength
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The combinatorial derivation of total sets (117) is sound. Clear explanation of permutation vs. combination shows strong mathematical communication.
5.9·Strength
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Calculation of total intersets =27×C(13,2)=2106 is correctly executed and clearly supports the five‐card analysis.