IB Math IA Topic Ideas and RQs

Any math wizards and numbers aficionados here? Are you on a quest to find the perfect IB Math IA topic that not only intrigues your mathematical curiosity but also challenges your analytical abilities? You’re in the right place!

I’ve compiled an exciting list of IB Math IA topics that span the vast landscape of mathematics, from the beauty of geometry to the logic of statistics and the mystery of algebraic structures. Whether you’re passionate about solving real-world problems using mathematical models, exploring historical mathematical theories, or diving into the applications of calculus in everyday life, there’s a topic here designed to ignite your enthusiasm and push your skills to the limit.

So, let’s prepare to unravel the complexities of mathematics, where each concept is a key to unlocking the mysteries of the universe.

1. Algebra

1. How can algebraic concepts be applied to solve polynomial equations and inequalities?
2. What is the relationship between algebraic structures (e.g., groups, rings) and abstract algebraic systems?
3. How do algebraic methods and functions model real-world phenomena and data sets?
4. What are the principles of algebraic proofs and algebraic inequalities?
5. How can algebraic techniques be used to analyze sequences and series?

2. Functions and Equations

6. How do functions and equations represent mathematical relationships and transformations?
7. What is the role of domain and range in defining and analyzing functions and their behavior?
8. How can mathematical modeling and regression analysis be used to fit functions to data?
9. How does the choice of different functions affect their behavior and graphical representation?
10. What is the relationship between trigonometric functions and periodic behavior in nature?

3. Calculus

11. How does the concept of limits underpin the foundations of calculus and its applications?
12. What are the techniques and applications of differentiation in analyzing rates of change?
13. How can the fundamental theorem of calculus be used to evaluate definite integrals?
14. What are the geometric and physical interpretations of definite and indefinite integrals?
15. How does calculus apply to optimization problems and finding extrema in functions?

4. Probability and Statistics

16. How can probability distributions and statistical tests be used to analyze and interpret data?
17. What are the principles of statistical sampling and hypothesis testing in inferential statistics?
18. How does the normal distribution model various phenomena in natural and social sciences?
19. What are the combinatorial methods and counting principles used in probability calculations?
20. How can probability theory be applied to analyze random events and decision-making?

5. Geometry and Trigonometry

21. How does geometry apply to the properties and relationships of lines, angles, and shapes?
22. What are the principles of congruence and similarity in geometric transformations?
23. How do trigonometric functions and identities describe angles and periodic phenomena?
24. What is the role of vectors and vector operations in geometry and physics applications?
25. How can coordinate geometry be used to solve problems related to lines and curves?

6. Complex Numbers

26. How do complex numbers extend the number system and help solve polynomial equations?
27. What are the geometric interpretations of complex numbers and their operations?
28. How can complex numbers be used to represent and analyze alternating currents in electrical circuits?
29. What are the properties and applications of Euler’s formula in complex analysis?
30. How do complex numbers relate to fractals and self-similarity in mathematical patterns?

7. Differential Equations

31. How do differential equations model dynamic processes and change over time?
32. What are the solutions and applications of first-order differential equations?
33. How can second-order differential equations describe oscillatory motion and natural phenomena?
34. What are the methods and techniques for solving differential equations numerically?
35. How does the concept of equilibrium relate to systems of differential equations in science?

8. Mathematical Exploration

36. How can mathematical modeling be applied to analyze population growth and demographic trends?
37. What are the mathematical principles behind cryptography and encryption algorithms?
38. How do fractals and chaos theory describe complexity and self-similarity in natural phenomena?
39. What are the mathematical aspects of game theory and its applications in decision-making?
40. How can mathematical optimization techniques be used in real-world logistics and scheduling problems?

9. Number Theory

41. How does number theory explore the properties and patterns of prime numbers?
42. What are the principles and applications of modular arithmetic and congruences?
43. How can number theory concepts be applied to cryptanalysis and encryption methods?
44. What are the mathematical properties and patterns in sequences and series?
45. How does number theory relate to diophantine equations and integer solutions?

10. Discrete Mathematics

46. How does discrete mathematics apply to combinatorics and counting principles?
47. What are the principles of graph theory and their applications in network analysis?
48. How can mathematical logic and proof techniques be used to solve logical puzzles?
49. What is the role of recurrence relations in modeling and solving recursive problems?
50. How does discrete mathematics relate to algorithmic complexity and computational problems?

2025 Fresh IB Math IA Topics + Research Questions

Here are 20 extra original, realistic, data-driven, IA-friendly Math RQs that students can actually investigate using IA-level maths (AI, modelling, calculus, probability, optimisation, statistics, etc.).

• 1. Music & Maths (Fourier Analysis Lite)
  RQ: To what extent can a simplified Fourier model predict the perceived pitch of notes produced by different smartphone speakers?
• 2. Uber Surge Pricing Model
  RQ: How accurately can a regression-based model predict surge prices in ride-sharing apps based on time-of-day and demand?
• 3. Sleep & Academic Performance
  RQ: What mathematical relationship best models the correlation between hours of sleep and test scores among students?
• 4. TikTok Algorithm Growth Patterns
  RQ: Can a logistic growth model effectively describe the follower growth of small TikTok accounts over a 30-day period?
• 5. Tennis Serve Optimization
  RQ: What is the optimal serving angle in tennis to maximize successful serves based on projectile motion modelling?
• 6. The Mathematics of Spotify Recommendations
  RQ: How effectively can cosine similarity predict the accuracy of Spotify song recommendations for a single user?
• 7. Predicting Heart Rate During Exercise
  RQ: How well does an exponential model describe the rise and recovery of heart rate during HIIT training?
• 8. Phone Battery Degradation
  RQ: Which decay model (linear, exponential, logarithmic) best represents long-term smartphone battery capacity loss?
• 9. Cryptocurrency Volatility
  RQ: Can a Monte Carlo simulation accurately forecast Bitcoin price fluctuations within a 7-day window?
• 10. Airplane Boarding Time Minimization
  RQ: Which boarding strategy minimizes total boarding time according to a simulation-based optimisation model?
• 11. Traffic Flow & Queue Theory at School Parking Lot
  RQ: How effectively can queueing theory model traffic delays at a school exit during peak times?
• 12. Body Proportions & Fibonacci Ratios
  RQ: To what extent do the body proportions of professional athletes align with golden ratio predictions?
• 13. Roller Coaster Physics
  RQ: How accurately can energy conservation and calculus predict the maximum speed of a roller coaster at different points on the track?
• 14. Weather Prediction with Markov Chains
  RQ: How accurately can a Markov chain predict next-day weather using historical meteorological data?
• 15. E-sports Reaction Time Modelling
  RQ: What probability distribution best models reaction times of competitive gamers?
• 16. Solar Panel Output Approximation
  RQ: How effectively can a trigonometric model estimate daily solar panel output using sun-angle data?
• 17. Optimal Online Shopping Discount Strategy
  RQ: What is the mathematically optimal buying time during seasonal sales based on historical price-data trends?
• 18. Coffee Cooling Curve
  RQ: How accurately does Newton’s Law of Cooling model the temperature change of coffee in different cup materials?
• 19. Predicting Instagram Engagement
  RQ: Can multivariate regression predict engagement rate using variables such as posting time, caption length, and hashtags?
• 20. Bus Arrival Prediction Model
  RQ: How accurately can Poisson processes model random bus arrival times in a city’s transport system?

Conclusion

Now this is our collection of IB Math IA topics that are sure to kindle your interest and stretch your mathematical muscles. Whether your fascination lies in the abstract world of number theory, the practical applications of mathematical finance, or the visual wonders of fractals, this list offers a wide array of avenues for you to explore and showcase your mathematical acumen.

Remember, the secret to a standout IA is selecting a topic that captivates you and allows you to demonstrate your prowess in mathematical reasoning and problem-solving. So, choose a topic that resonates with your interests, and embark on a mathematical journey that promises not only academic fulfillment but also a deeper appreciation for the elegance and power of mathematics.