Focus the object
Define the object, dataset, time period, variable or mathematical structure as precisely as possible.
IB Mathematics · Complete topic list
900 topic ideas – page 19 of 36.
Topics 451 to 475 with explanations, methods, course and equipment guidance.
Mathematics and applications
Compare 900 ideas clearly.
The list mixes calculus, statistics, modelling, geometry, number theory, computer science, sport, environmental topics and other areas. Each entry includes a short explanation and visible methods such as differential calculus, integral calculus, statistics or regression.
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.
1
Select an idea. Titles and areas are starting points, not finished research questions.
2
Check A and C. These codes give an initial indication of assessment type, course and level.
3
Read P, M and S. They show possible independent direction, tools, and safety or data-protection needs.
| No. | Topic idea | A | C | P | M | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 451 | Operations research & logisticsCheckout capacity planning with queueing theory Turn “Checkout capacity planning with queueing theory” into a focused research question and select a transparent dataset or your own measurements. Compare suitable models, examine residuals, and evaluate uncertainty, outliers, and limitations. |
1 | 6 | 151112 | 613 | 0 |
| 452 | Networks & social systemsAnonymising a friendship network and measuring changes in degree distribution Turn “Anonymising a friendship network and measuring changes in degree distribution” into a focused research question and select a transparent dataset or your own measurements. Compare suitable models, examine residuals, and evaluate uncertainty, outliers, and limitations. |
3 | 8 | 4712 | 1314 | 3 |
| 453 | Information & coding theoryComparing run-length encoding for pixel art and photographs Turn “Comparing run-length encoding for pixel art and photographs” into a measurable or mathematically precise research question. Develop an appropriate model, test it with your own data, constructions, or examples, and evaluate assumptions, errors, and possible improvements. |
1 | 9 | 27812 | 713 | 0 |
| 454 | Robotics, control & sensingSimplified SLAM geometry using known landmarks Turn “Simplified SLAM geometry using known landmarks” into a measurable or mathematically precise research question. Develop an appropriate model, test it with your own data, constructions, or examples, and evaluate assumptions, errors, and possible improvements. |
2 | 8 | 271011 | 781320 | 1 |
| 455 | ThermodynamicsHeat loss through single, double and triple glazing in winter Turn “Heat loss through single, double and triple glazing in winter” into a measurable or mathematically precise research question. Develop an appropriate model, test it with your own data, constructions, or examples, and evaluate assumptions, errors, and possible improvements. |
1 | 6 | 1 | 413 | 0 |
| 456 | Material propertiesWater loss from cut flowers in different solutions Turn “Water loss from cut flowers in different solutions” into a measurable or mathematically precise research question. Develop an appropriate model, test it with your own data, constructions, or examples, and evaluate assumptions, errors, and possible improvements. |
1 | 6 | 112 | 2616 | 0 |
| 457 | ElectricityPower output of a small wind turbine at simulated wind speeds Turn “Power output of a small wind turbine at simulated wind speeds” into a measurable or mathematically precise research question. Develop an appropriate model, test it with your own data, constructions, or examples, and evaluate assumptions, errors, and possible improvements. |
1 | 6 | 1 | 512 | 1 |
| 458 | Combined experimentsCorrosion and conductivity: metal mass loss versus electrical response of the solution Turn “Corrosion and conductivity: metal mass loss versus electrical response of the solution” into a measurable or mathematically precise research question. Develop an appropriate model, test it with your own data, constructions, or examples, and evaluate assumptions, errors, and possible improvements. |
1 | 3 | 1 | 251316 | 1 |
| 459 | Algebra & number theoryDiophantine equations and their solvability Develop “Diophantine equations and their solvability” through original examples, derivations, or a small computational exploration. State a precise conjecture, test it systematically, and compare alternative proof or modelling approaches. |
2 | 2 | 10 | 13 | 0 |
| 460 | Analysis & calculusCalculating the volume of irregular objects by integration Turn “Calculating the volume of irregular objects by integration” into a measurable or mathematically precise research question. Develop an appropriate model, test it with your own data, constructions, or examples, and evaluate assumptions, errors, and possible improvements. |
3 | 3 | 12 | 11320 | 0 |
| 461 | Statistics & probabilityAnalysing success rates in basketball or throwing tasks Turn “Analysing success rates in basketball or throwing tasks” into a focused research question and select a transparent dataset or your own measurements. Compare suitable models, examine residuals, and evaluate uncertainty, outliers, and limitations. |
1 | 6 | 13 | 0 | 0 |
| 462 | Mathematical modellingModelling the growth of bacterial cultures Turn “Modelling the growth of bacterial cultures” into a measurable or mathematically precise research question. Develop an appropriate model, test it with your own data, constructions, or examples, and evaluate assumptions, errors, and possible improvements. |
1 | 9 | 111 | 1321 | 1 |
| 463 | Geometry & topologyReflection geometry in architecture Turn “Reflection geometry in architecture” into a measurable or mathematically precise research question. Develop an appropriate model, test it with your own data, constructions, or examples, and evaluate assumptions, errors, and possible improvements. |
1 | 3 | 268 | 7 | 0 |
| 464 | Financial mathematicsLottery probabilities and expected value Turn “Lottery probabilities and expected value” into a focused research question and select a transparent dataset or your own measurements. Compare suitable models, examine residuals, and evaluate uncertainty, outliers, and limitations. |
3 | 9 | 110 | 13 | 0 |
| 465 | Logic, set theory & proofModelling circuits with Karnaugh-Veitch maps Turn “Modelling circuits with Karnaugh-Veitch maps” into a measurable or mathematically precise research question. Develop an appropriate model, test it with your own data, constructions, or examples, and evaluate assumptions, errors, and possible improvements. |
1 | 2 | 1811 | 13 | 0 |
| 466 | Applied & interdisciplinary mathematicsComparing the efficiency of stairs and lifts Turn “Comparing the efficiency of stairs and lifts” into a measurable or mathematically precise research question. Develop an appropriate model, test it with your own data, constructions, or examples, and evaluate assumptions, errors, and possible improvements. |
1 | 6 | 111 | 0 | 0 |
| 467 | ThermodynamicsSurface-temperature recovery after ten minutes of exercise Turn “Surface-temperature recovery after ten minutes of exercise” into a measurable or mathematically precise research question. Develop an appropriate model, test it with your own data, constructions, or examples, and evaluate assumptions, errors, and possible improvements. |
1 | 6 | 1312 | 319 | 3 |
| 468 | Material propertiesMass change caused by adsorption onto activated carbon Turn “Mass change caused by adsorption onto activated carbon” into a measurable or mathematically precise research question. Develop an appropriate model, test it with your own data, constructions, or examples, and evaluate assumptions, errors, and possible improvements. |
1 | 3 | 112 | 216 | 0 |
| 469 | ElectricityElectrical conductivity of soil samples at different moisture levels Turn “Electrical conductivity of soil samples at different moisture levels” into a measurable or mathematically precise research question. Develop an appropriate model, test it with your own data, constructions, or examples, and evaluate assumptions, errors, and possible improvements. |
1 | 6 | 16 | 251318 | 1 |
| 470 | Combined experimentsHeat-storage capacity of equal masses of stone, metal and wood Turn “Heat-storage capacity of equal masses of stone, metal and wood” into a measurable or mathematically precise research question. Develop an appropriate model, test it with your own data, constructions, or examples, and evaluate assumptions, errors, and possible improvements. |
1 | 3 | 1 | 2313 | 0 |
| 471 | Algebra & number theoryProperties of Mersenne primes Develop “Properties of Mersenne primes” through original examples, derivations, or a small computational exploration. State a precise conjecture, test it systematically, and compare alternative proof or modelling approaches. |
3 | 3 | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| 472 | Analysis & calculusLimits and L'Hôpital's rule Turn “Limits and L'Hôpital's rule” into a measurable or mathematically precise research question. Develop an appropriate model, test it with your own data, constructions, or examples, and evaluate assumptions, errors, and possible improvements. |
2 | 2 | 10 | 13 | 0 |
| 473 | Statistics & probabilityTesting the randomness of music shuffle functions Turn “Testing the randomness of music shuffle functions” into a focused research question and select a transparent dataset or your own measurements. Compare suitable models, examine residuals, and evaluate uncertainty, outliers, and limitations. |
1 | 6 | 18 | 9 | 0 |
| 474 | Mathematical modellingOptimising routes to school or work Turn “Optimising routes to school or work” into a measurable or mathematically precise research question. Develop an appropriate model, test it with your own data, constructions, or examples, and evaluate assumptions, errors, and possible improvements. |
1 | 6 | 1411 | 813 | 0 |
| 475 | Geometry & topologyCurves of constant width and the Reuleaux triangle Turn “Curves of constant width and the Reuleaux triangle” into a measurable or mathematically precise research question. Develop an appropriate model, test it with your own data, constructions, or examples, and evaluate assumptions, errors, and possible improvements. |
3 | 3 | 1211 | 20 | 0 |
No topic ideas match this combination.
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
From heading to investigation
A topic becomes workable only through independent decisions.
The table is designed to speed up the first step. The actual research question emerges through focus, mathematical choice and critical checking.
Select the mathematics
Decide which models, proofs, statistical procedures or optimisation steps can genuinely answer the question.
Plan independent direction
Use your own data, comparisons, modelling choices, extensions or proof ideas rather than reproducing a standard procedure.
Reflect on limitations
Examine assumptions, sources of error, data quality, model limitations, safety and possible improvements.
Personal engagement and independent direction
A personal connection is more than one sentence in the introduction.
The P codes indicate possible ways to shape an investigation independently. Independent thinking becomes visible through justified decisions, appropriate data selection, personal model variants, meaningful comparisons and critical reflection. A code does not guarantee a particular mark.
Review the IA requirementsFrequently asked questions
Use the topic list correctly.
Are the titles finished research questions?
No. They name a possible direction. A question for assessed work must be focused more narrowly, matched to the course and level, and connected to a clear mathematical method.
What does A = 3 mean?
The broad direction could be developed as an IA or Mathematics EE, depending on focus and depth. An EE will normally require a substantially deeper mathematical argument and an appropriate research scope.
Is C an official IB classification?
No. C is editorial guidance for Mathematics AA or Math AI and SL or HL. Final suitability depends on the specific research question and the current requirements.
Do I need to own the listed instruments?
No. M indicates typical or possible tools. Many topics can use open data, a spreadsheet, CAS, GeoGebra, Desmos or Python. Adapt the topic to resources that are genuinely available.
How should topics involving health or personal data be handled?
Prefer anonymised or publicly available secondary data. Original data collection needs consent, data protection, school approval and a low-risk method. Diagnosis, medication changes and invasive self-experimentation do not belong in a Mathematics project.
The complete list is also machine-readable.
The same 900 entries are available as plain text and bilingual JSON for search, accessibility and AI systems.
Authoritative foundations
Check the current curriculum version before starting.
The catalogue complements the PreLearning explanations. Current official IB documents and the school's instructions remain authoritative.