510 topic ideas for the Mathematics IA and Extended Essay – page 17.
25 topics per page for faster mobile loading; search and filters cover all 510 ideas.
Topic ideas 401 to 425 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 401 | Vehicle mathematicsAdvertised consumption, engine power and measured acceleration in a model comparison The investigation asks which conditions produce the best outcome for “Advertised consumption, engine power and measured acceleration in a model comparison” 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 | 9 | 91112 | 13 | 0 |
| 402 | Vehicle mathematicsOptimal cruising speed from aerodynamic drag, rolling resistance and energy use The investigation asks which conditions produce the best outcome for “Optimal cruising speed from aerodynamic drag, rolling resistance and energy use” 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 | 9 | 91112 | 13 | 0 |
| 403 | Electric & magnetic fieldsMagnet shape and the spatial distribution of measured magnetic-field strength The investigation examines how “Magnet shape and the spatial distribution of measured magnetic-field strength” 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 |
3 | 9 | 121112 | 151320 | 1 |
| 404 | Electric & magnetic fieldsDistance law for the field strength of a bar magnet The investigation examines how “Distance law for the field strength of a bar magnet” 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 |
3 | 9 | 121112 | 151320 | 1 |
| 405 | Electric & magnetic fieldsCoil turns and electric current as determinants of a solenoid's magnetic field The investigation examines how “Coil turns and electric current as determinants of a solenoid's magnetic field” 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 |
3 | 9 | 121112 | 151320 | 1 |
| 406 | Electric & magnetic fieldsShielding effectiveness of different materials against a magnetic field The investigation examines how “Shielding effectiveness of different materials against a magnetic field” 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 |
3 | 9 | 121112 | 151320 | 1 |
| 407 | Electric & magnetic fieldsSafe distance and field strength below or beside high-voltage power lines The investigation examines how “Safe distance and field strength below or beside high-voltage power lines” 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 |
3 | 9 | 121112 | 151320 | 1 |
| 408 | Electric & magnetic fieldsElectromagnetic field strength of household appliances as a function of distance The investigation examines how “Electromagnetic field strength of household appliances as a function of distance” 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 |
3 | 9 | 121112 | 151320 | 1 |
| 409 | Electric & magnetic fieldsSuperposition of the fields of two magnets in different arrangements The investigation examines how “Superposition of the fields of two magnets in different arrangements” 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 |
3 | 9 | 121112 | 151320 | 1 |
| 410 | Experimental physicsDetermining gravitational acceleration with pendulums of different lengths The investigation examines how “Determining gravitational acceleration with pendulums of different lengths” 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 |
3 | 9 | 1711 | 16713 | 1 |
| 411 | Experimental physicsDetermining gravitational acceleration through video analysis of free fall The investigation examines how “Determining gravitational acceleration through video analysis of free fall” 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 |
3 | 9 | 1711 | 16713 | 1 |
| 412 | Experimental physicsIndirect measurement of gravitational acceleration on an inclined plane The investigation examines how “Indirect measurement of gravitational acceleration on an inclined plane” 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 |
3 | 9 | 1711 | 16713 | 1 |
| 413 | Experimental physicsA smartphone accelerometer in a lift as a model of apparent weight The investigation examines how “A smartphone accelerometer in a lift as a model of apparent weight” 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 |
3 | 9 | 1711 | 16713 | 1 |
| 414 | Experimental physicsStability of repeated gravitational-acceleration measurements across time and setup The investigation examines how “Stability of repeated gravitational-acceleration measurements across time and setup” 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 |
3 | 9 | 1711 | 16713 | 1 |
| 415 | Solar energy & thermal effectsSolar-cell voltage as an indirect measure of solar activity and irradiance during the day The investigation examines how “Solar-cell voltage as an indirect measure of solar activity and irradiance during the day” 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 |
3 | 9 | 1711 | 3451013 | 1 |
| 416 | Solar energy & thermal effectsSolar-cell current as a function of incidence angle and solar elevation The investigation examines how “Solar-cell current as a function of incidence angle and solar elevation” 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 |
3 | 9 | 1711 | 3451013 | 1 |
| 417 | Solar energy & thermal effectsModule temperature and its effect on voltage, current and electrical power The investigation examines how “Module temperature and its effect on voltage, current and electrical power” 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 |
3 | 9 | 1711 | 3451013 | 1 |
| 418 | Solar energy & thermal effectsCloud cover and short-interval variation in solar power The investigation examines how “Cloud cover and short-interval variation in solar power” 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 |
3 | 9 | 1711 | 3451013 | 1 |
| 419 | Solar energy & thermal effectsHeat absorption by light and dark surfaces as an indirect measure of solar effects The investigation examines how “Heat absorption by light and dark surfaces as an indirect measure of solar effects” 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 |
3 | 9 | 1711 | 3451013 | 1 |
| 420 | Solar energy & thermal effectsDaily solar-energy yield as the integral of a measured power curve The investigation examines how “Daily solar-energy yield as the integral of a measured power curve” 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 |
3 | 9 | 1711 | 3451013 | 1 |
| 421 | Thermal expansionLinear expansion of a metal rod as a function of temperature The investigation examines how “Linear expansion of a metal rod as a function of 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 |
3 | 9 | 1711 | 1351320 | 1 |
| 422 | Thermal expansionComparing thermal-expansion coefficients of aluminium, steel and copper The investigation examines how “Comparing thermal-expansion coefficients of aluminium, steel and copper” 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 |
3 | 9 | 1711 | 1351320 | 1 |
| 423 | Thermal expansionElectric current, heating and length change in a metal wire The investigation examines how “Electric current, heating and length change in a metal wire” 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 |
3 | 9 | 1711 | 1351320 | 1 |
| 424 | Thermal expansionExpansion during heating and contraction during cooling: investigating hysteresis The investigation examines how “Expansion during heating and contraction during cooling: investigating hysteresis” 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 |
3 | 9 | 1711 | 1351320 | 1 |
| 425 | Thermal expansionCurvature of a bimetallic strip as a function of temperature The investigation examines how “Curvature of a bimetallic strip as a function of 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 |
3 | 9 | 1711 | 1351320 | 1 |
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.