IB Mathematics · Topic list · Page 3

510 topic ideas for the Mathematics IA and Extended Essay – page 3.

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

Page 3 of 21

Topic ideas 51 to 75 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 3: topics 51–75 of 510

Mixed topic list for the Mathematics IA and Mathematics Extended Essay
No. Topic idea A C P M S
51 Statistics & probabilityThe birthday paradox: simulation versus theoretical probability

The investigation explores how “The birthday paradox: simulation versus theoretical probability” 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 9 145 1314 3
52 Mathematical modellingPredator-prey dynamics: the Lotka-Volterra equations

The investigation explores how “Predator-prey dynamics: the Lotka-Volterra equations” 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 6 0 0
53 Geometry & topologyThe Seven Bridges of Königsberg and graph theory

The focus is on describing “The Seven Bridges of Königsberg and graph theory” 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 10 13 0
54 Financial mathematicsMortgage repayment: how much can an extra payment save?

The investigation explores how “Mortgage repayment: how much can an extra payment save?” 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 0 0
55 Logic, set theory & proofBoolean algebra and logic gates: De Morgan's laws

The focus is on the mathematical structures and reasoning behind “Boolean algebra and logic gates: De Morgan's laws”, 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 17 0 0
56 Discrete mathematics & computer scienceAnalysing sorting algorithms: running time and comparisons

The focus is on the discrete patterns and rules behind “Analysing sorting algorithms: running time and comparisons”, 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 9 1712 613 0
57 Applied & interdisciplinary mathematicsOptimising how to pack a suitcase or backpack

The investigation asks which conditions produce the best outcome for “Optimising how to pack a suitcase or backpack” 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 6 111 0 0
58 Game theory & decision-makingOptimal blackjack hand strategy using probability

The investigation asks which conditions produce the best outcome for “Optimal blackjack hand strategy using probability” 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 8 178 13 0
59 Environmental mathematics & sustainabilityModelling seasonal water levels in local lakes

The investigation examines how “Modelling seasonal water levels in local lakes” 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 1611 13 0
60 Sports biomechanics & movementModelling force distribution while climbing on different wall angles

The investigation explores how “Modelling force distribution while climbing on different wall angles” 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 1311 1315 1
62 Chaos & dynamical systemsSensitivity to initial conditions and the butterfly effect

The investigation explores how “Sensitivity to initial conditions and the butterfly effect” 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 17 13 0
63 Music, acoustics & wavesModelling dissonance with interval-frequency ratios

The investigation explores how “Modelling dissonance with interval-frequency ratios” 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 1811 913 0
64 Art, design & architectureMathematical analysis of Escher tessellations and symmetry groups

The focus is on describing “Mathematical analysis of Escher tessellations and symmetry groups” 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 3 148 0 0
65 Astronomy & spaceflightLight curves of variable stars

The focus is on describing “Light curves of variable stars” 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 6 1 1017 0
66 Psychology & cognitionAnalysing mathematical patterns in sleep and REM cycles

The investigation explores how “Analysing mathematical patterns in sleep and REM cycles” 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 1 6 3
67 Probability & riskModelling the failure probability of technical devices

The investigation explores how “Modelling the failure probability of technical devices” 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 11112 13 0
68 Culinary mathematicsThe geometry of pasta shapes and their cooking times

The focus is on describing “The geometry of pasta shapes and their cooking times” 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 15 6 0
69 ThermodynamicsHeating surfaces of different colours in sunlight: black, white, red and silver

The focus is on describing “Heating surfaces of different colours in sunlight: black, white, red and silver” 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 9 1 341 0
70 Material propertiesWater content of fruits and vegetables measured by oven drying

The investigation explores how “Water content of fruits and vegetables measured by oven drying” 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 15 2 1
71 ElectricityInternal resistance of alkaline, NiMH and lithium batteries

The investigation explores how “Internal resistance of alkaline, NiMH and lithium batteries” 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 2 112 513 1
72 Combined experimentsSpecific heat capacity of different liquids under equal energy input

The investigation explores how “Specific heat capacity of different liquids under equal energy input” 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 23 0
73 Kitchen & everyday lifeIce-cream melting rate: mass loss and surface temperature across different formulations

The focus is on describing “Ice-cream melting rate: mass loss and surface temperature across different formulations” 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 6 112 2413 1
74 EnvironmentCompost: mass loss and core temperature over four weeks

The investigation examines how “Compost: mass loss and core temperature over four weeks” 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 16 236 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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