IB Mathematics · Topic list · Page 11

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.

Page 11 of 21

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.

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 11: topics 251–275 of 510

Mixed topic list for the Mathematics IA and Mathematics Extended Essay
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
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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