IB Mathematics · Topic list · Page 5

510 topic ideas for the Mathematics IA and Extended Essay – page 5.

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

Page 5 of 21

Topic ideas 101 to 125 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 5: topics 101–125 of 510

Mixed topic list for the Mathematics IA and Mathematics Extended Essay
No. Topic idea A C P M S
101 Kitchen & everyday lifeBread baking: water loss and core temperature over time

The investigation examines how “Bread baking: water loss and core temperature over 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 9 15 23 1
102 EnvironmentSolar cooker: water temperature and evaporation mass at different angles

The investigation examines how “Solar cooker: water temperature and evaporation mass at different angles” 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 9 111 23110 1
103 PhysiologyHand-surface temperature before and after a low-risk cognitive task

The investigation explores how “Hand-surface temperature before and after a low-risk cognitive task” 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 14 4319 3
104 MaterialsThermal response of granite, wood and stainless-steel worktops

The investigation examines how “Thermal response of granite, wood and stainless-steel worktops” 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 15 341 0
105 Algebra & number theoryPascal's triangle: patterns, binomial coefficients and combinatorics

The focus is on the discrete patterns and rules behind “Pascal's triangle: patterns, binomial coefficients and 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
1 9 1 0 0
106 Analysis & calculusConvergence of series: the harmonic series, Basel problem and geometric series

The focus is on describing “Convergence of series: the harmonic series, Basel problem and geometric series” 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 10 0 0
107 Statistics & probabilityThe Monty Hall problem: simulation versus theory

The investigation explores how “The Monty Hall problem: simulation versus theory” 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 7 17 13 0
109 Geometry & topologyPlatonic solids: Euler's formula and why there are exactly five

The focus is on describing “Platonic solids: Euler's formula and why there are exactly five” 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 2 20 0
110 Financial mathematicsSaving strategies: lump-sum investment versus regular deposits

The investigation explores how “Saving strategies: lump-sum investment versus regular deposits” 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 4 1511 0 0
111 Logic, set theory & proofArrow's impossibility theorem and voting systems

The focus is on the mathematical structures and reasoning behind “Arrow's impossibility theorem and voting systems”, 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 0 0
112 Discrete mathematics & computer scienceModelling networks with adjacency matrices

The investigation explores how “Modelling networks with adjacency matrices” 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 13 0
113 Applied & interdisciplinary mathematicsModelling an optimal running pace

The investigation asks which conditions produce the best outcome for “Modelling an optimal running pace” 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
114 Game theory & decision-makingThe prisoner's dilemma in repeated games

The focus is on the discrete patterns and rules behind “The prisoner's dilemma in repeated games”, 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 1411 0 0
115 Biomathematics & medicineModelling tumour growth: Gompertz versus exponential models

The investigation examines how “Modelling tumour growth: Gompertz versus exponential models” 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
2 8 11 13 3
116 Environmental mathematics & sustainabilityStatistical analysis of the effectiveness of recycling programmes

The investigation explores how “Statistical analysis of the effectiveness of recycling programmes” 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 6 167 13 0
117 Data science & introductory algorithmsCalculating text similarity with introductory vector models

The focus is on the discrete patterns and rules behind “Calculating text similarity with introductory vector models”, 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 1712 13 0
118 Chaos & dynamical systemsCalculating Lyapunov exponents for simple functions

The investigation explores how “Calculating Lyapunov exponents for simple functions” 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 2 710 13 0
119 Music, acoustics & wavesCalculating string lengths for alternative tuning systems

The investigation explores how “Calculating string lengths for alternative tuning systems” 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 18 91314 3
120 Art, design & architectureCalculating optimal stage lighting through angle analysis

The investigation asks which conditions produce the best outcome for “Calculating optimal stage lighting through angle analysis” 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 1811 11013 0
121 Astronomy & spaceflightModelling a rocket trajectory with air resistance

The investigation explores how “Modelling a rocket trajectory with air resistance” 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 1711 13 1
122 Psychology & cognitionThe Stroop effect analysed with statistical hypothesis tests

The investigation explores how “The Stroop effect analysed with statistical hypothesis tests” 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 14 0 3
123 Probability & riskPerceived risk versus measured risk: air travel and driving

The investigation explores how “Perceived risk versus measured risk: air travel and driving” 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 1412 14 3
124 Culinary mathematicsAnalysing bubble distributions in bread and sparkling drinks with a Poisson model

The investigation explores how “Analysing bubble distributions in bread and sparkling drinks with a Poisson model” 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 6 125 7 0
125 ThermodynamicsTemperature gradients in a classroom from floor to desk height and ceiling over a day

The investigation examines how “Temperature gradients in a classroom from floor to desk height and ceiling over a 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
1 6 14 3416 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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