IB Mathematics · Topic list · Page 10

510 topic ideas for the Mathematics IA and Extended Essay – page 10.

25 topics per page for faster mobile loading; search and filters cover all 510 ideas.

Page 10 of 21

Topic ideas 226 to 250 of 510.

Every title is followed by two sentences explaining the investigation and possible use of differential calculus, integral calculus, statistics or probability. When used, search and filters automatically cover the complete catalogue.

Planning guidance, not official topic approvalThe IA, EE, AA, Math AI, SL and HL classifications are editorial guidance. The current subject guide, assessment session, mathematical depth, focus and school approval remain decisive.
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Page 10: topics 226–250 of 510

Mixed topic list for the Mathematics IA and Mathematics Extended Essay
No. Topic idea A C P M S
226 ThermodynamicsThermal conductivity of metal rods measured by the time taken for wax to melt

The investigation examines how “Thermal conductivity of metal rods measured by the time taken for wax to melt” develops over time or in response to a changing variable and which model best represents the pattern. Differential calculus can determine rates of change and integral calculus can capture total effects, while statistics and probability help assess measurement error, variation and model fit.

Differential calculus · Integral calculus · Statistics · Probability
1 3 112 3613 1
227 Material propertiesSublimation of dry ice: mass loss over time at constant conditions

The investigation examines how “Sublimation of dry ice: mass loss over time at constant conditions” develops over time or in response to a changing variable and which model best represents the pattern. Differential calculus can determine rates of change and integral calculus can capture total effects, while statistics and probability help assess measurement error, variation and model fit.

Differential calculus · Integral calculus · Statistics · Probability
1 3 1 23621 2
228 ElectricityThermoelectric voltage as a function of temperature difference using a Peltier element

The investigation examines how “Thermoelectric voltage as a function of temperature difference using a Peltier element” develops over time or in response to a changing variable and which model best represents the pattern. Differential calculus can determine rates of change and integral calculus can capture total effects, while statistics and probability help assess measurement error, variation and model fit.

Differential calculus · Integral calculus · Statistics · Probability
1 2 1 3513 1
229 Combined experimentsThermocouple voltage as a function of hot-to-cold water-bath temperature difference

The investigation examines how “Thermocouple voltage as a function of hot-to-cold water-bath temperature difference” develops over time or in response to a changing variable and which model best represents the pattern. Differential calculus can determine rates of change and integral calculus can capture total effects, while statistics and probability help assess measurement error, variation and model fit.

Differential calculus · Integral calculus · Statistics · Probability
1 2 16 351316 1
230 Kitchen & everyday lifeHand surface-temperature recovery after a safe cold-water exposure

The investigation examines how “Hand surface-temperature recovery after a safe cold-water exposure” develops over time or in response to a changing variable and which model best represents the pattern. Differential calculus can determine rates of change and integral calculus can capture total effects, while statistics and probability help assess measurement error, variation and model fit.

Differential calculus · Integral calculus · Statistics · Probability
1 6 1 4136 3
231 EnvironmentWater mass loss from plastic and glass containers over time

The investigation explores how “Water mass loss from plastic and glass containers over time” can be described and compared quantitatively using original measurements or suitable open data. Statistics and probability can test relationships, variation and uncertainty, while differential calculus and integral calculus can extend trend models through rates of change or cumulative effects.

Differential calculus · Integral calculus · Statistics · Probability
1 3 1 216 0
232 Algebra & number theoryPerfect numbers and their rarity

The focus is on the discrete patterns and rules behind “Perfect numbers and their rarity”, investigated systematically with original examples, algorithms or simulations. Combinatorics, statistics and probability are often central, while differential calculus and integral calculus become useful only when a continuous comparison model or limiting process is added.

Differential calculus · Integral calculus · Statistics · Probability
3 3 10 13 0
233 Analysis & calculusOptimising the flight path of a paper aeroplane

The investigation asks which conditions produce the best outcome for “Optimising the flight path of a paper aeroplane” and how sensitive that optimum is to changed assumptions. Differential calculus and integral calculus support optimisation and total-effect calculations, while statistics and probability show whether the result remains stable with variable or uncertain data.

Differential calculus · Integral calculus · Statistics · Probability
1 9 1311 17 0
234 Statistics & probabilityGrade distributions across different school subjects

The investigation explores how “Grade distributions across different school subjects” can be described and compared quantitatively using original measurements or suitable open data. Statistics and probability can test relationships, variation and uncertainty, while differential calculus and integral calculus can extend trend models through rates of change or cumulative effects.

Differential calculus · Integral calculus · Statistics · Probability
1 6 1 0 0
235 Mathematical modellingOptimising seating arrangements in a classroom

The investigation asks which conditions produce the best outcome for “Optimising seating arrangements in a classroom” and how sensitive that optimum is to changed assumptions. Differential calculus and integral calculus support optimisation and total-effect calculations, while statistics and probability show whether the result remains stable with variable or uncertain data.

Differential calculus · Integral calculus · Statistics · Probability
1 6 1411 14 3
236 Geometry & topologySymmetry in Islamic art

The focus is on describing “Symmetry in Islamic art” through geometric quantities, proportions and a testable model. Geometry and trigonometry form the core, while differential calculus and integral calculus can investigate curvature, area or volume and statistics and probability can evaluate measurement variation.

Differential calculus · Integral calculus · Statistics · Probability
1 3 128 7 0
237 Financial mathematicsInsurance models and premium calculations

The investigation explores how “Insurance models and premium calculations” can be described and compared quantitatively using original measurements or suitable open data. Statistics and probability can test relationships, variation and uncertainty, while differential calculus and integral calculus can extend trend models through rates of change or cumulative effects.

Differential calculus · Integral calculus · Statistics · Probability
1 6 5 13 0
238 Logic, set theory & proofAn introduction to Gödel's incompleteness theorems

The focus is on the mathematical structures and reasoning behind “An introduction to Gödel's incompleteness theorems”, developed through original examples, derivations or simulations. Depending on the focus, differential calculus or integral calculus can reveal the analytical structure, while statistics and probability are useful when simulations or datasets are also analysed.

Differential calculus · Integral calculus · Statistics · Probability
2 2 1 0 0
239 Discrete mathematics & computer scienceError-detecting codes and Hamming distance

The focus is on the discrete patterns and rules behind “Error-detecting codes and Hamming distance”, investigated systematically with original examples, algorithms or simulations. Combinatorics, statistics and probability are often central, while differential calculus and integral calculus become useful only when a continuous comparison model or limiting process is added.

Differential calculus · Integral calculus · Statistics · Probability
2 2 138 0 0
240 Applied & interdisciplinary mathematicsAnalysing the stability of towers built from blocks

The investigation explores how “Analysing the stability of towers built from blocks” can be described and compared quantitatively using original measurements or suitable open data. Statistics and probability can test relationships, variation and uncertainty, while differential calculus and integral calculus can extend trend models through rates of change or cumulative effects.

Differential calculus · Integral calculus · Statistics · Probability
1 9 1211 1520 0
241 Biomathematics & medicineThe geometry and optimisation of leaf-vein networks

The investigation asks which conditions produce the best outcome for “The geometry and optimisation of leaf-vein networks” and how sensitive that optimum is to changed assumptions. Differential calculus and integral calculus support optimisation and total-effect calculations, while statistics and probability show whether the result remains stable with variable or uncertain data.

Differential calculus · Integral calculus · Statistics · Probability
3 3 1611 0 0
242 Environmental mathematics & sustainabilityMathematical analysis of wind-energy potential at a location

The investigation explores how “Mathematical analysis of wind-energy potential at a location” can be described and compared quantitatively using original measurements or suitable open data. Statistics and probability can test relationships, variation and uncertainty, while differential calculus and integral calculus can extend trend models through rates of change or cumulative effects.

Differential calculus · Integral calculus · Statistics · Probability
3 6 6 12 0
243 Sports biomechanics & movementMathematical patterns in dance choreography

The investigation explores how “Mathematical patterns in dance choreography” can be described and compared quantitatively using original measurements or suitable open data. Statistics and probability can test relationships, variation and uncertainty, while differential calculus and integral calculus can extend trend models through rates of change or cumulative effects.

Differential calculus · Integral calculus · Statistics · Probability
3 9 138 7 0
244 Data science & introductory algorithmsIntroductory image compression with singular value decomposition

The focus is on the discrete patterns and rules behind “Introductory image compression with singular value decomposition”, investigated systematically with original examples, algorithms or simulations. Combinatorics, statistics and probability are often central, while differential calculus and integral calculus become useful only when a continuous comparison model or limiting process is added.

Differential calculus · Integral calculus · Statistics · Probability
2 2 17 0 0
245 Music, acoustics & wavesCalculating the resonant frequencies of glasses in a glass harmonica

The investigation explores how “Calculating the resonant frequencies of glasses in a glass harmonica” can be described and compared quantitatively using original measurements or suitable open data. Statistics and probability can test relationships, variation and uncertainty, while differential calculus and integral calculus can extend trend models through rates of change or cumulative effects.

Differential calculus · Integral calculus · Statistics · Probability
3 3 1 913 0
246 Art, design & architectureCalculating tension in tent structures based on hyperbolic paraboloids

The investigation explores how “Calculating tension in tent structures based on hyperbolic paraboloids” can be described and compared quantitatively using original measurements or suitable open data. Statistics and probability can test relationships, variation and uncertainty, while differential calculus and integral calculus can extend trend models through rates of change or cumulative effects.

Differential calculus · Integral calculus · Statistics · Probability
2 2 1211 51320 1
247 ThermodynamicsTemperature change while baking a muffin: core versus surface temperature

The investigation examines how “Temperature change while baking a muffin: core versus surface temperature” develops over time or in response to a changing variable and which model best represents the pattern. Differential calculus can determine rates of change and integral calculus can capture total effects, while statistics and probability help assess measurement error, variation and model fit.

Differential calculus · Integral calculus · Statistics · Probability
1 9 1511 3 1
248 Material propertiesHygroscopicity of salts and sugars: mass gain from moisture in air

The investigation explores how “Hygroscopicity of salts and sugars: mass gain from moisture in air” can be described and compared quantitatively using original measurements or suitable open data. Statistics and probability can test relationships, variation and uncertainty, while differential calculus and integral calculus can extend trend models through rates of change or cumulative effects.

Differential calculus · Integral calculus · Statistics · Probability
1 3 112 261318 0
249 ElectricityTemperature-dependent resistance of an incandescent lamp

The investigation examines how “Temperature-dependent resistance of an incandescent lamp” develops over time or in response to a changing variable and which model best represents the pattern. Differential calculus can determine rates of change and integral calculus can capture total effects, while statistics and probability help assess measurement error, variation and model fit.

Differential calculus · Integral calculus · Statistics · Probability
1 3 1 35 1
250 Combined experimentsCalorimetry: determining the specific heat capacity of a metal

The investigation explores how “Calorimetry: determining the specific heat capacity of a metal” can be described and compared quantitatively using original measurements or suitable open data. Statistics and probability can test relationships, variation and uncertainty, while differential calculus and integral calculus can extend trend models through rates of change or cumulative effects.

Differential calculus · Integral calculus · Statistics · Probability
1 3 112 2316 0
Code legend

What A, C, P, M and S mean.

The table stays narrow on a phone by replacing long descriptions with numeric codes. Entries may contain several P and M codes.

AAssessment type
1
Internal Assessment (IA)
2
Mathematics Extended Essay (EE)
3
Potentially suitable for an IA or EE, depending on focus and mathematical depth
CCourse and level
1
Mathematics AA SL
2
Mathematics AA HL
3
Mathematics AA at SL or HL
4
Mathematics AI SL
5
Mathematics AI HL
6
Mathematics AI at SL or HL
7
Mathematics AA or AI at SL
8
Mathematics AA or AI at HL
9
Mathematics AA or AI at SL or HL
PWays to demonstrate independent direction and personal engagement
1
Own data, measurements, observations or experiment
2
Own photographs, drawings, constructions or models
3
Own sport, video, GPS or tracker context
4
Own school or class survey or observation
5
Own everyday, household, consumer or financial data
6
Local context: environment, buildings, traffic, climate or nature
7
Own programming, simulation or algorithm
8
Personal interest: music, art, games, design or another hobby
9
Public data selected, prepared and analysed independently
10
Own conjecture, proof idea, generalisation or theoretical comparison
11
Own modelling decision, construction, optimisation or adaptation
12
Critical comparison of assumptions, errors, limitations or ethical issues
MMeasuring instruments, tools or data access
0
No specialist physical instrument; a calculator, CAS, spreadsheet or open data may be sufficient
1
Ruler, tape measure, calliper or protractor
2
Balance or precision scale
3
Contact thermometer or temperature data logger
4
Infrared thermometer or thermal camera
5
Multimeter or another electrical measuring instrument
6
Stopwatch or timer
7
Camera or smartphone for photographic and video analysis
8
GPS device or fitness tracker
9
Microphone, sound-level meter or audio-analysis software
10
Light meter, light sensor or solar sensor
11
Conductivity, pH or salinity meter
12
Weather instruments, such as an anemometer or rain gauge
13
Computer, spreadsheet, CAS, GeoGebra, Desmos or Python
14
Survey form, data sheet or observation record
15
Force sensor or spring balance
16
Laboratory glassware, measuring cylinder or pipette
17
Telescope, binoculars or a suitable camera
18
Humidity or material-moisture sensor
19
Non-invasive physiology sensor, such as heart-rate or reaction-time measurement
20
Physical model, 3D printer or material samples
21
Specialist school laboratory equipment
SSafety and data protection
0
Likely to be low risk within normal school practice
1
Supervision recommended, for example for heat, electricity, sport or traffic observation
2
Carry out only in a school laboratory or with qualified supervision
3
Sensitive personal or health data: consent, anonymisation and preferably secondary data; no medical self-intervention

Turn an idea into an independent investigation.

Guidance on focus, independent direction, safety and data use is provided on the first page of the topic list.

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