Focus the object
Define the object, dataset, time period, variable or mathematical structure as precisely as possible.
Topics 76 to 100 with explanations, methods, course and equipment guidance.
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.
Select an idea. Titles and areas are starting points, not finished research questions.
Check A and C. These codes give an initial indication of assessment type, course and level.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
3 | 8 | 71011 | 13 | 0 |
No topic ideas match this combination.
The table stays narrow on a phone by replacing long descriptions with numeric codes. Entries may contain several P and M codes.
The table is designed to speed up the first step. The actual research question emerges through focus, mathematical choice and critical checking.
Define the object, dataset, time period, variable or mathematical structure as precisely as possible.
Decide which models, proofs, statistical procedures or optimisation steps can genuinely answer the question.
Use your own data, comparisons, modelling choices, extensions or proof ideas rather than reproducing a standard procedure.
Examine assumptions, sources of error, data quality, model limitations, safety and possible improvements.
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 requirementsNo. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 same 900 entries are available as plain text and bilingual JSON for search, accessibility and AI systems.
The catalogue complements the PreLearning explanations. Current official IB documents and the school's instructions remain authoritative.