Mathematics might seem like the most objective of disciplines — a world of numbers, formulas, and proofs. Yet, even in math, integrity is essential. Every solution reflects the honesty of your reasoning, the accuracy of your calculations, and the transparency of your methods.
The IB Mathematics Guide (IBO, 2023) emphasizes that “academic honesty is fundamental to mathematical exploration and the development of logical thinking.” This means showing your working, citing data sources, and ensuring that your conclusions are genuinely your own.
This guide explains how IB Mathematics students can practice integrity across problem-solving, internal assessments (IAs), and real-world applications — turning precision into principle.
- Show all steps in your problem-solving.
- Use only authorized tools and calculators.
- Credit all data, graphs, and references.
- Avoid copying or sharing IA material.
- Verify AI or software outputs independently.
- Reflect honestly on errors and assumptions.
Integrity is the formula that gives mathematics meaning — truth built from transparency.
Integrity in mathematics means intellectual honesty — ensuring your solutions, reasoning, and research represent your own understanding.
It includes:
- Transparency: Showing every step of your work.
- Accuracy: Using correct data and verifying calculations.
- Ethical awareness: Citing data sources and acknowledging help or tools used.
As the IB learner profile reminds us, principled thinkers “act with integrity and honesty.” In mathematics, that means trusting the process — not shortcuts.
Mathematical problem-solving requires independent reasoning. To stay ethical:
- Solve each question from first principles whenever possible.
- Avoid copying steps or solutions from others.
- If using formulas or theorems, understand and explain them in context.
- Check that your reasoning aligns with IB notation and standards.
Honest mathematics isn’t about perfection; it’s about clarity of thought. Examiners value logical explanation more than a flawless answer.
The internal assessment in IB Mathematics is your opportunity to apply math to real-world contexts. Integrity here is vital:
- Choose a topic you can analyze independently.
- Gather and cite data ethically — from reliable sources such as the World Bank or UN Statistics.
- Avoid fabricated, estimated, or copied data.
- Explain your methods transparently, including software used (e.g., Desmos, GeoGebra, Excel).
- Reflect honestly on limitations and possible errors.
The IA is not about finding a perfect model; it’s about demonstrating curiosity, analysis, and authenticity.
Plagiarism in mathematics may not look like copying paragraphs — but it still happens.
Common examples include:
- Using someone else’s dataset or model without citation.
- Reproducing graphs or equations from online sources.
- Copying mathematical proofs without understanding them.
- Reusing another student’s IA structure or theme.
To avoid this:
- Acknowledge all external data, images, or methods.
- Paraphrase explanations in your own words.
- Keep detailed notes of your research sources.
- Include citations even for diagrams or sample models.
Every formula has an origin — acknowledging it honors mathematical truth.
Technology and AI are valuable tools for exploring mathematics — but they cannot replace your reasoning.
Use responsibly:
- Software like GeoGebra or Desmos should visualize your ideas, not generate them.
- AI tools cannot be used to write your IA or provide complete solutions.
- Always understand and verify any AI-generated graph or function.
- Disclose any computational or algorithmic tools you use.
Integrity means maintaining authorship of your thinking, even when tools assist your calculations.
Your IA may require data for modeling, statistics, or calculus. Proper citation matters.
Include:
- The original source of the data (organization, year, and URL if online).
- A note if you transformed or processed the data.
- Citations for any mathematical model, theorem, or method adopted.
Example:
Data on global CO₂ emissions obtained from World Bank Open Data (2024).
Clear sourcing demonstrates accountability and professionalism.
Reflection in IB Mathematics is not about emotion — it’s about intellectual self-awareness.
Reflect honestly on:
- The limitations of your model or assumptions.
- The reliability of your data or measurement tools.
- The impact of rounding or estimation errors.
- What you learned from solving complex or uncertain problems.
Even in mathematics, integrity means accepting uncertainty with honesty.
IB Mathematics encourages discussion — but collaboration has limits.
- It’s acceptable to share ideas, methods, and general feedback.
- It’s unethical to share entire IAs, solutions, or datasets.
- Group problem-solving is allowed only when authorized by your teacher.
- Credit peers who contributed feedback or ideas.
Integrity protects fairness — ensuring every student’s grade reflects their own understanding.
When applying mathematics to human or environmental data, ethical responsibility increases.
- Avoid using personal or sensitive data without consent.
- Consider privacy when analyzing social datasets.
- Present data objectively — don’t manipulate it to prove a point.
- Acknowledge uncertainties and avoid overstating conclusions.
Mathematics explains the world — integrity ensures it does so truthfully.
RevisionDojo helps IB Mathematics students strengthen both problem-solving and ethical skills through:
- Tutorials on honest IA design and data citation.
- Guides on transparent model building and reflection.
- Lessons on mathematical reasoning, not memorization.
- Examples of high-scoring IAs that demonstrate integrity and clarity.
With RevisionDojo, you’ll learn to think critically, reason logically, and work with honesty — the true marks of mathematical excellence.
Integrity in mathematics is not abstract — it’s applied.
Every calculation, graph, and model represents an ethical choice: to think clearly, cite truthfully, and learn authentically.
When you approach your IB Mathematics work with honesty, you practice the same discipline that defines the world’s greatest mathematicians — curiosity guided by truth.
Integrity isn’t just part of math — it is math: consistent, logical, and accountable.
Think logically. Work honestly.
Join RevisionDojo to master ethical problem-solving, transparent mathematical reasoning, and authentic IA writing aligned with IB integrity standards.
1. What counts as misconduct in IB Mathematics?
Copying others’ solutions, fabricating data, or submitting AI-generated analysis are all violations of IB integrity rules.
2. How should I cite data for my IA?
Include the organization name, year, and access link (if online). Explain how the data was used or transformed.
3. Can I use AI or computational tools?
Yes, for visualization or calculation — but not for writing, reasoning, or final conclusions. Always disclose their use.
4. What if my results don’t match my hypothesis?
That’s fine — honesty matters more than accuracy. Reflect on possible reasons and discuss what you learned.
5. How does RevisionDojo support math integrity?
RevisionDojo teaches transparent model-building, accurate data analysis, and reflective mathematical writing — helping IB students think critically and ethically.
