IB Mathematics · Complete topic list

900 topic ideas – page 4 of 36.

Topics 76 to 100 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.

Work
Course
Level

Showing 25 of 25 topic ideas

Mixed topic list for the Mathematics IA and Mathematics Extended Essay
No. Topic idea A C P M S
76 Recreational games & mathematicsOptimal Nim strategy using binary representation

Turn “Optimal Nim strategy using binary representation” 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.

Functions & modellingDifferential calculusOptimisation
2 2 7810 13 0
77 Combined experimentsElectrolysis of water: electrode mass change versus applied voltage

Turn “Electrolysis of water: electrode mass change versus applied voltage” 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.

Functions & modelling
1 2 1 251621 2
78 Combinatorics & discrete probabilityThe coupon collector problem for trading cards

Develop “The coupon collector problem for trading cards” through original examples, derivations, or a small computational exploration. State a precise conjecture, test it systematically, and compare alternative proof or modelling approaches.

Statistics & probabilityCombinatorics
3 9 57810 13 0
79 Kitchen & everyday lifeWhich teapot material retains heat longest: cast iron, glass or porcelain?

Turn “Which teapot material retains heat longest: cast iron, glass or porcelain?” 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.

Functions & modelling
1 9 15 34113 0
80 Climate, Earth & ocean mathematicsDecomposing tides with harmonic analysis

Turn “Decomposing tides with harmonic analysis” 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.

Fourier analysis
2 8 691011 13 0
81 EnvironmentRainwater: precipitation amount, temperature and electrical conductivity

Turn “Rainwater: precipitation amount, temperature and electrical conductivity” 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.

Functions & modelling
1 6 16 2351 1
82 PhysiologySkin-surface temperature recovery after a safe cold-water exposure

Turn “Skin-surface temperature recovery after a safe cold-water exposure” 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.

Geometry
1 6 1 41319 3
83 MaterialsHeat distribution around skateboard or longboard axles after riding

Turn “Heat distribution around skateboard or longboard axles after riding” 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.

Statistics & probability
1 9 13 43813 0
84 Algebra & number theoryModelling population growth: logistic versus exponential models

Turn “Modelling population growth: logistic versus exponential models” 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.

Functions & modellingNumber theoryAlgebra
1 6 1611 13 1
85 Analysis & calculusNewton's law of cooling: modelling with differential equations

Turn “Newton's law of cooling: modelling with differential equations” 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.

Functions & modellingDifferential equationsAlgebra
3 2 111 313 0
86 Statistics & probabilityThe birthday paradox: simulation versus theoretical probability

Turn “The birthday paradox: simulation versus theoretical probability” 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.

Statistics & probabilitySimulation & algorithms
1 9 145 1314 3
87 Mathematical modellingPredator-prey dynamics: the Lotka-Volterra equations

Turn “Predator-prey dynamics: the Lotka-Volterra equations” 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.

Functions & modellingDifferential equationsAlgebra
2 2 6 0 0
88 Geometry & topologyThe Seven Bridges of Königsberg and graph theory

Turn “The Seven Bridges of Königsberg and graph theory” 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.

Graph theoryGeometry
3 2 10 13 0
89 Financial mathematicsMortgage repayment: how much can an extra payment save?

Turn “Mortgage repayment: how much can an extra payment save?” 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.

Financial mathematics
1 6 5 0 0
90 Logic, set theory & proofBoolean algebra and logic gates: De Morgan's laws

Turn “Boolean algebra and logic gates: De Morgan's laws” 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.

ProofAlgebra
2 2 17 0 0
91 Discrete mathematics & computer scienceAnalysing sorting algorithms: running time and comparisons

Turn “Analysing sorting algorithms: running time and comparisons” 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.

GeometrySimulation & algorithms
3 9 1712 613 0
92 Applied & interdisciplinary mathematicsOptimising how to pack a suitcase or backpack

Turn “Optimising how to pack a suitcase or backpack” 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.

Functions & modellingDifferential calculusOptimisation
1 6 111 0 0
93 Game theory & decision-makingThe mathematics of auction systems: English versus Dutch auctions

Turn “The mathematics of auction systems: English versus Dutch auctions” 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.

Functions & modelling
3 6 178 13 0
94 Transport & mobility mathematicsShortest route versus fastest route under time-dependent traffic

Turn “Shortest route versus fastest route under time-dependent traffic” 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.

Graph theoryOptimisation
3 9 16711 813 0
95 Biomathematics & medicineHeart-rate variability analysed with statistical methods

Turn “Heart-rate variability analysed with statistical methods” 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.

Functions & modelling
3 6 13 819 3
96 Operations research & logisticsStaff scheduling with integer linear optimisation

Turn “Staff scheduling with integer linear optimisation” 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.

Functions & modellingDifferential calculusGeometryOptimisation
2 8 7911 13 0
97 Environmental mathematics & sustainabilityModelling seasonal water levels in local lakes

Turn “Modelling seasonal water levels in local lakes” 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.

Functions & modelling
1 6 1611 13 0
98 Networks & social systemsEpidemic thresholds in networks with different degree distributions

Turn “Epidemic thresholds in networks with different degree distributions” 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.

Statistics & probabilityGraph theoryTrigonometry
2 8 71112 13 0
99 Sports biomechanics & movementModelling force distribution while climbing on different wall angles

Turn “Modelling force distribution while climbing on different wall angles” 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.

Functions & modellingStatistics & probabilityVector mathematicsTrigonometry
3 3 1311 1315 1
100 Information & coding theoryError correction with Hamming codes under simulated channel noise

Turn “Error correction with Hamming codes under simulated channel noise” 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.

Geometry
3 8 71011 13 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
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.

Focus the object

Define the object, dataset, time period, variable or mathematical structure as precisely as possible.

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 requirements
Frequently 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.

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