Understand the requirements, develop a focused question and use examples responsibly—for Mathematics AA and AI at SL and HL.
A strong mathematical paper does not begin with the most complicated formulas possible. It begins with a clear question, suitable methods and reasoning that can be followed step by step.
Develop the question, mathematics, communication and reflection as one coherent exploration.
Understand the IAInvestigate a focused mathematical research question independently and in depth.
Understand the EEMatch the assessment session, curriculum version, course and level correctly.
Check requirementsExplore mixed starting points from calculus, statistics, geometry, modelling and other areas.
View ideasInterpret official and curated work by source, format, language and learning value.
Analyse examplesReview the wider IB Mathematics context and course choice.
IB overviewBoth require independent thinking and clear mathematics. Their purpose, scope and research demand are not the same.
The IA is a subject-based investigation within Mathematics AA or AI. It should show how an individual question is explored, communicated and reflected on using appropriate mathematics.
The Mathematics EE investigates a focused mathematical question in greater depth. It needs a coherent line of reasoning, appropriate use of sources and critical evaluation of the results.
This sequence reduces the risk of choosing an interesting topic without suitable mathematics.
Which real or abstract relationship is genuinely interesting?
Which variable, relationship, structure or claim will be investigated?
Are the methods, data and tools appropriate and understood well enough?
What does the result mean, what limits remain and what could be improved?
Good examples help students recognise structure, mathematical communication and reflection. The research question, text, derivations, data, figures and code must still emerge from the student's own investigation.
Use examples responsiblyThe topic finder presents mixed starting points and shows possible mathematics, data and extensions.