510 topic ideas for the Mathematics IA and Extended Essay – page 14.
25 topics per page for faster mobile loading; search and filters cover all 510 ideas.
Topic ideas 326 to 350 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 326 | Combined experimentsBaking soda and vinegar: carbon dioxide mass loss and temperature change The investigation examines how “Baking soda and vinegar: carbon dioxide mass loss and temperature change” 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 | 1511 | 2313 | 1 |
| 327 | Algebra & number theoryThe mathematics behind Sudoku-solving strategies The focus is on the discrete patterns and rules behind “The mathematics behind Sudoku-solving strategies”, 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 |
1 | 7 | 178 | 1316 | 0 |
| 328 | Analysis & calculusOptimising a vehicle's fuel consumption The investigation asks which conditions produce the best outcome for “Optimising a vehicle's fuel consumption” 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 | 8 | 1511 | 0 | 0 |
| 329 | Statistics & probabilityStatistical analysis of election results and forecasts The investigation explores how “Statistical analysis of election results and forecasts” 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 | 9 | 13 | 0 |
| 330 | Mathematical modellingModelling population change in a city The investigation explores how “Modelling population change 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 | 6911 | 13 | 0 |
| 331 | Geometry & topologyGeometric constructions of ellipses and parabolas The focus is on describing “Geometric constructions of ellipses and parabolas” 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 | 3 | 1211 | 0 | 0 |
| 332 | Financial mathematicsComparing fixed-term and instant-access savings rates over ten years The investigation explores how “Comparing fixed-term and instant-access savings rates over ten years” 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 | 159 | 0 | 0 |
| 333 | ThermodynamicsTemperature change inside a compost heap over fourteen days The investigation examines how “Temperature change inside a compost heap over fourteen days” 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 | 6 | 36 | 1 |
| 334 | Material propertiesSalt content of water samples measured by evaporation and residue mass The investigation explores how “Salt content of water samples measured by evaporation and residue mass” 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 | 16 | 2111316 | 0 |
| 335 | ElectricityPower output of a bicycle dynamo at different rotational speeds The investigation examines how “Power output of a bicycle dynamo at different rotational speeds” 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 | 1311 | 58913 | 1 |
| 336 | Algebra & number theoryPalindromic numbers in different bases The focus is on the discrete patterns and rules behind “Palindromic numbers in different bases”, 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 | 17 | 13 | 0 |
| 337 | Analysis & calculusCurvature in bridges and arches The focus is on the mathematical structures and reasoning behind “Curvature in bridges and arches”, 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 |
3 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| 338 | Statistics & probabilityBattery life across different brands The investigation explores how “Battery life across different brands” 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 | 5 | 1 |
| 339 | Mathematical modellingThe trajectory of a frisbee or boomerang The investigation explores how “The trajectory of a frisbee or boomerang” 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 | 13 | 7 | 0 |
| 340 | Geometry & topologyProperties of torus knots The focus is on describing “Properties of torus knots” 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 |
2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 341 | Financial mathematicsModelling retirement savings under different scenarios The investigation explores how “Modelling retirement savings under different scenarios” 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 | 1511 | 13 | 0 |
| 342 | ThermodynamicsCooling molten wax or chocolate: phase transition and solidification The investigation examines how “Cooling molten wax or chocolate: phase transition and solidification” 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 | 1511 | 3413 | 1 |
| 343 | Material propertiesBiomass growth of cress or sprouts over fourteen days The investigation examines how “Biomass growth of cress or sprouts over fourteen days” 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 | 111 | 26 | 1 |
| 344 | ElectricityBioelectric voltages in selected fruits, vegetables and plant tissues The investigation explores how “Bioelectric voltages in selected fruits, vegetables and plant tissues” 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 | 156 | 5 | 1 |
| 345 | Combined experimentsResistance change as a resistor heats during current flow The investigation explores how “Resistance change as a resistor heats during current flow” 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 | 16 | 4513 | 1 |
| 346 | Algebra & number theoryThe distribution and density of prime numbers The focus is on the discrete patterns and rules behind “The distribution and density of prime 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 | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| 347 | Analysis & calculusCalculating the centroid of irregular regions The focus is on describing “Calculating the centroid of irregular regions” 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 | 3 | 1211 | 11320 | 0 |
| 348 | Statistics & probabilityWaiting times on public transport The investigation examines how “Waiting times on public transport” 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 | 16 | 68 | 0 |
| 349 | Mathematical modellingModelling household water consumption The investigation explores how “Modelling household water consumption” 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 | 1511 | 13 | 0 |
| 350 | Geometry & topologyGreat-circle distances on Earth The focus is on describing “Great-circle distances on Earth” 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 | 3 | 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.