510 topic ideas for the Mathematics IA and Extended Essay – page 11.
25 topics per page for faster mobile loading; search and filters cover all 510 ideas.
Topic ideas 251 to 275 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.
| No. | Topic idea | A | C | P | M | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 251 | Kitchen & everyday lifeTemperature change in a vacuum flask over 24 hours The investigation examines how “Temperature change in a vacuum flask over 24 hours” 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 | 3613 | 0 |
| 252 | EnvironmentWater samples: dissolved-solid mass and electrical conductivity The investigation explores how “Water samples: dissolved-solid mass and electrical conductivity” 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 | 16 | 2513 | 1 |
| 253 | Algebra & number theoryThe relationship between continued fractions and irrational numbers The focus is on the discrete patterns and rules behind “The relationship between continued fractions and irrational numbers”, 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 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 254 | Analysis & calculusSpeed and acceleration while cycling The focus is on the mathematical structures and reasoning behind “Speed and acceleration while cycling”, 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 |
1 | 3 | 13 | 8 | 3 |
| 255 | Statistics & probabilityComparing mean, median and mode in salary data The investigation explores how “Comparing mean, median and mode in salary data” 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 | 1912 | 0 | 0 |
| 256 | Mathematical modellingModelling water supply in a city The investigation explores how “Modelling water supply in a city” 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 | 611 | 13 | 0 |
| 257 | Geometry & topologyModelling shadows cast by sundials The focus is on describing “Modelling shadows cast by sundials” 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 | 123 | 7101320 | 0 |
| 258 | Financial mathematicsComparing vehicle leasing with purchasing The investigation explores how “Comparing vehicle leasing with purchasing” 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 | 1512 | 0 | 0 |
| 259 | Logic, set theory & proofProof methods: direct proof, contraposition and contradiction The focus is on the mathematical structures and reasoning behind “Proof methods: direct proof, contraposition and contradiction”, 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 | 10 | 13 | 0 |
| 260 | Discrete mathematics & computer scienceRecurrence relations and the Tower of Hanoi The investigation explores how “Recurrence relations and the Tower of Hanoi” 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 | 3 | 17 | 0 | 0 |
| 261 | Applied & interdisciplinary mathematicsModelling an optimal racket length in sport The investigation asks which conditions produce the best outcome for “Modelling an optimal racket length in sport” 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 | 13 | 0 |
| 262 | Biomathematics & medicineMathematical modelling of visual acuity and corrective-lens power The investigation explores how “Mathematical modelling of visual acuity and corrective-lens power” 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 | 111 | 1319 | 3 |
| 263 | Environmental mathematics & sustainabilityCalculating carbon dioxide emissions per kilometre for different forms of transport The investigation explores how “Calculating carbon dioxide emissions per kilometre for different forms of transport” 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 | 16 | 813 | 0 |
| 264 | Sports biomechanics & movementAnalysing the optimal riding position on a road bicycle The investigation asks which conditions produce the best outcome for “Analysing the optimal riding position on a road bicycle” 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 | 1311 | 0 | 0 |
| 265 | Data science & introductory algorithmsPassword-strength patterns through combinatorics The focus is on the discrete patterns and rules behind “Password-strength patterns through combinatorics”, 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 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 266 | ThermodynamicsHeating of asphalt, grass and water in midday sun The investigation explores how “Heating of asphalt, grass and water in midday sun” 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 | 6 | 341 | 0 |
| 267 | Material propertiesBurning rates of candles with different diameters and wax types The investigation explores how “Burning rates of candles with different diameters and wax types” 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 | 19 | 21613 | 1 |
| 268 | ElectricityVoltage and capacity change of a lithium-ion battery over repeated charge cycles The investigation examines how “Voltage and capacity change of a lithium-ion battery over repeated charge cycles” 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 | 1 | 5613 | 1 |
| 269 | Combined experimentsElectroplating: cathode mass gain versus voltage and time The investigation examines how “Electroplating: cathode mass gain versus voltage and time” 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 | 251321 | 2 |
| 270 | Algebra & number theoryEuler's totient function and its properties The focus is on the discrete patterns and rules behind “Euler's totient function and its properties”, 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 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 271 | Analysis & calculusModelling breathing with sinusoidal functions The focus is on the mathematical structures and reasoning behind “Modelling breathing with sinusoidal functions”, 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 |
1 | 9 | 111 | 13 | 0 |
| 272 | Statistics & probabilityWaiting times in the school cafeteria The investigation examines how “Waiting times in the school cafeteria” 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 | 14 | 6 | 0 |
| 273 | Mathematical modellingThe propagation of sound waves in rooms The investigation explores how “The propagation of sound waves in rooms” 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 | 8 | 1 | 9 | 0 |
| 274 | Geometry & topologySphere-packing density in three dimensions The focus is on describing “Sphere-packing density in three dimensions” 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 |
3 | 2 | 1 | 220 | 0 |
| 275 | Financial mathematicsCalculating the break-even point for a small business The investigation explores how “Calculating the break-even point for a small business” 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 | 13 | 0 |
No topic ideas match this combination.
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.