Mathematics: Core Topics SL has been written for the IB Diploma Programme courses Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches SL, and Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation SL, for first teaching in August 2019, and first assessment in May 2021.

The book contains the content that is common to both courses. This material can all be taught first, giving the potential to teach all the SL students together from this book at the start of the course.

This is the first of two books students will require for the completion of their SL Mathematics course. Upon the completion of this book, students progress to the particular SL textbook for their course: either Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches SL, or Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation SL. This is expected to occur approximately 6-7 months into the two-year course.