510 topic ideas for the Mathematics IA and Extended Essay – page 8.
25 topics per page for faster mobile loading; search and filters cover all 510 ideas.
Topic ideas 176 to 200 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 176 | Psychology & cognitionCorrelation between music genre and mathematical performance The investigation explores how “Correlation between music genre and mathematical performance” 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 | 148 | 914 | 3 |
| 177 | Probability & riskModelling cafeteria queues with a Poisson process The investigation explores how “Modelling cafeteria queues with a Poisson process” 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 | 1411 | 13 | 0 |
| 178 | Culinary mathematicsCalculating an optimal chocolate-melting temperature The investigation asks which conditions produce the best outcome for “Calculating an optimal chocolate-melting temperature” 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 | 1511 | 313 | 1 |
| 179 | ThermodynamicsHeat storage in sand, clay and humus under equal energy input The investigation explores how “Heat storage in sand, clay and humus 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 | 9 | 16 | 341 | 0 |
| 180 | Material propertiesCorrosion of iron nails in water, salt water, cola and vinegar The investigation explores how “Corrosion of iron nails in water, salt water, cola and vinegar” 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 | 111 | 2613 | 1 |
| 181 | ElectricityVoltage from homemade galvanic cells using lemons, potatoes, cola and apples The investigation explores how “Voltage from homemade galvanic cells using lemons, potatoes, cola and apples” 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 | 15 | 5 | 2 |
| 182 | Combined experimentsConductivity versus salt concentration in aqueous solutions The investigation explores how “Conductivity versus salt concentration in aqueous solutions” 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 | 1 | 251113 | 1 |
| 183 | Kitchen & everyday lifePackaging fruit: mass loss under cling film, vacuum storage and wax wrap The investigation explores how “Packaging fruit: mass loss under cling film, vacuum storage and wax wrap” 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 | 26 | 1 |
| 184 | EnvironmentPaving stones versus grass: daytime surface temperature and night-time cooling The focus is on describing “Paving stones versus grass: daytime surface temperature and night-time cooling” 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 | 6 | 34113 | 0 |
| 185 | Algebra & number theoryMagic squares: algebraic construction methods The focus is on the discrete patterns and rules behind “Magic squares: algebraic construction methods”, 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 | 3 | 1211 | 20 | 0 |
| 186 | Analysis & calculusRiemann sums and numerical integration The focus is on the mathematical structures and reasoning behind “Riemann sums and numerical integration”, 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 | 2 | 12 | 13 | 0 |
| 187 | Statistics & probabilityThe normal distribution in sports performance data The investigation explores how “The normal distribution in sports performance 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 | 13 | 0 | 0 |
| 188 | Mathematical modellingModelling the spread of rumours in a school community The investigation explores how “Modelling the spread of rumours in a school community” 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 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 189 | Geometry & topologyThe golden spiral in selected natural forms The focus is on describing “The golden spiral in selected natural forms” 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 | 9 | 126 | 7 | 0 |
| 190 | Financial mathematicsCalculating the effective annual percentage rate on consumer loans The investigation explores how “Calculating the effective annual percentage rate on consumer loans” 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 | 5 | 13 | 0 |
| 191 | Logic, set theory & proofParadoxes in set theory The focus is on the mathematical structures and reasoning behind “Paradoxes in set theory”, 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 |
| 192 | Discrete mathematics & computer scienceBinary trees and their properties The investigation explores how “Binary trees and their properties” 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 | 1211 | 20 | 0 |
| 193 | Applied & interdisciplinary mathematicsModelling optimal lighting in a room The investigation asks which conditions produce the best outcome for “Modelling optimal lighting in a room” 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 | 1013 | 0 |
| 194 | Game theory & decision-makingZero-sum games in classic board games The focus is on the discrete patterns and rules behind “Zero-sum games in classic board 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 | 3 | 18 | 0 | 0 |
| 195 | Biomathematics & medicineCorrelation between sleep duration and cognitive performance The investigation explores how “Correlation between sleep duration and cognitive performance” 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 | 110 | 19 | 3 |
| 196 | Environmental mathematics & sustainabilityModelling plastic degradation in oceans with exponential decay The investigation explores how “Modelling plastic degradation in oceans with exponential decay” 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 | 6911 | 13 | 0 |
| 197 | Sports biomechanics & movementModelling an optimal stride pattern for the 100-metre sprint The investigation asks which conditions produce the best outcome for “Modelling an optimal stride pattern for the 100-metre sprint” 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 | 111 | 813 | 0 |
| 198 | Data science & introductory algorithmsCluster formation in friendship networks The focus is on the discrete patterns and rules behind “Cluster formation in friendship networks”, 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 | 6 | 14 | 14 | 3 |
| 199 | Chaos & dynamical systemsArnold tongues in the circle map The investigation explores how “Arnold tongues in the circle map” 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 | 810 | 914 | 3 |
| 200 | Art, design & architectureThe mathematics of three-dimensional printing structures and infill patterns The investigation explores how “The mathematics of three-dimensional printing structures and infill patterns” 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 | 12 | 20 | 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.