The Ultimate Guide to Your IB Math AA IA

Let's be honest, the Math IA can feel like the biggest mountain to climb in the entire IB Diploma. But I'm going to let you in on a secret: it's also your single best opportunity to explore a piece of mathematics that you find genuinely cool. Forget memorizing formulas for a moment. This is your chance to be a real mathematician – to ask a question and use the tools you've learned to answer it.

The key to a great IA isn't picking the "smartest" topic; it's picking the right one for you. This guide will walk you through how to find that perfect idea, test it, and give you a huge list of inspiration to get you started.

Part 1: The Anatomy of a High-Scoring IA Topic

Before you even start brainstorming, you need to know what you're looking for. A great topic isn't just interesting, it has to meet specific criteria. Think of this as your quality-control checklist.

It Has to Genuinely Interest You: This is non-negotiable. You're going to spend hours on this project. If you're bored, your writing will be boring, and the examiner will be bored. Pick something that sparks your curiosity.
It Has Mathematical Depth: The goal is to show off your understanding. A good topic allows you to go beyond simple calculations. You should be analyzing, justifying, and reflecting on the math, not just "plugging and chugging" numbers into a formula.
It's Focused and Has a Clear Aim: You can't explore "The Mathematics of Space." It's too big. But you can explore "Using calculus to model the optimal trajectory for a satellite launch to minimize fuel consumption." A single, clear aim is your north star for the entire project.
It's at the Right Level: The math should be at the AA SL or HL level. It's great to stretch yourself and go slightly beyond the syllabus, but the core of your IA must be math you can explain thoroughly. Don't try to use university-level quantum physics if a simpler differential equation does the job.
It's Feasible: You have a 12-20 page limit. Your topic needs to be narrow enough to be covered in detail within that space.

The Lanterna Tip: Start with a math concept you enjoy, not a real-world scenario. Do you love calculus? Start there. Find an application of derivatives or integrals that seems cool. It’s much easier to find an application for a concept you know than to force a mathematical concept onto a scenario you like.

Part 2: The 5-Question Idea Validation Test

Got an idea? Awesome. Before you commit, run it through these five questions. If you can answer them all confidently, you're on the right track.

Can I state my aim in a single sentence? (e.g., "My aim is to determine the optimal angle for a badminton serve to land in the corner using projectile motion and calculus.")
Can I list 3-4 distinct mathematical steps or concepts I will use? (e.g., 1. Set up equations for projectile motion. 2. Incorporate variables for angle and velocity. 3. Use differentiation to find the maximum/minimum. 4. Reflect on limitations like air resistance.)
Does this topic require analysis or just calculation? A great IA explains why a certain method was chosen and discusses the meaning of the results. If your whole IA could be done on a calculator, it’s not an exploration.
Is this an overused topic? Examiners have seen thousands of IAs on the Monty Hall Problem, the Golden Ratio in shells, and the Birthday Paradox. You can do these, but the bar for originality and insight is incredibly high. It's often safer to choose something more unique.
Am I actually excited to start researching this? If the answer is a hesitant "maybe," go back to the drawing board. Your personal engagement score depends on genuine curiosity.

Part 3: 50 IA Ideas to Get You Started

Here is a list of potential topics to get your creative juices flowing. Use them as-is, combine them, or let them inspire something completely new!

Category 1: Calculus and Optimization

Perfect for those who love the elegance of derivatives and integrals to solve real-world problems.

Modeling the rate of a chemical reaction using differential equations.
Optimizing the shape of a cooling fin to maximize heat dissipation.
Using solids of revolution to calculate the volume of a ceramic pot or vase.
Modeling drug concentration in the bloodstream over time.
Finding the optimal angle for a solar panel based on the time of day and year.
The Brachistochrone Problem: What is the curve of fastest descent?
Modeling projectile motion with air resistance (a great HL topic involving differential equations).
Optimizing the shape of a container (e.g., a soda can) to minimize material for a given volume.
Investigating Gabriel's Horn: a shape with finite volume but infinite surface area.
Modeling Newton's Law of Cooling by tracking a hot cup of coffee.
Finding the optimal seating position in a movie theatre for the best viewing angle.
Modeling a suspension bridge using catenary curves.

Category 2: Modeling Real-World Phenomena

For those who see math everywhere and want to use functions and models to describe the world.

Modeling the spread of a virus using an SIR (Susceptible, Infected, Recovered) model.
Using functions to model the shape of an architectural wonder like the Gateway Arch.
Modeling predator-prey population cycles with Lotka-Volterra equations.
Analyzing the sound waves of a musical instrument using Fourier series.
Modeling the decay of radioactive isotopes for carbon dating.
Investigating the relationship between a country's GDP and life expectancy with regression models.
Modeling the battery life of a smartphone based on usage patterns.
Analyzing traffic flow at an intersection using queuing theory or sinusoidal functions.
Using Kepler's Laws and calculus to model planetary orbits.
Modeling the damped oscillations of a guitar string.
Investigating the Lorenz system and the mathematics of chaos theory.

Category 3: Pure Mathematics, Geometry & Proof

For the abstract thinkers who love the "why" behind the math, including proofs, number theory, and strange geometries.

Exploring the geometry of fractals like the Mandelbrot Set or Koch Snowflake.
Investigating the properties of prime numbers and testing the efficiency of different primality tests.
Exploring the differences between Euclidean and non-Euclidean (spherical, hyperbolic) geometries.
Analyzing different voting systems and the mathematics of social choice theory (e.g., Arrow's Impossibility Theorem).
Using complex numbers to generate geometric patterns and transformations.
Investigating the relationship between the nth roots of unity and the area of polygons.
Exploring the properties of "special" numbers like Narcissistic Numbers or Perfect Numbers.
Investigating Diophantine equations like the Mordell Equation.
Exploring the link between Pascal's Triangle, combinatorics, and probability.
Proving and exploring the implications of Pick's Theorem for polygons on a grid.
Investigating different mathematical methods to approximate the value of Pi (e.g., Buffon's Needle).
Exploring the unsolved Goldbach Conjecture and testing it for large numbers.

Category 4: Advanced Concepts, Algorithms & Cryptography

For those interested in computer science, strategy, and modern applications of mathematics.

Analyzing the mathematics behind the RSA encryption algorithm.
Using graph theory to find the most efficient delivery route for a postal service (The Chinese Postman Problem).
Investigating game theory and the Prisoner's Dilemma in strategic decision-making.
Modeling a game of poker: calculating the odds of different hands and optimal bluffing strategies.
Comparing the efficiency of different sorting algorithms in computer science.
Exploring the mathematics behind Google's PageRank algorithm.
Analyzing the logic and algorithms for solving a Sudoku puzzle.
Investigating the mathematics behind error-correcting codes used in data transmission.
Modeling and breaking the ciphers of the Enigma machine.
Using matrices to model population changes or economic systems.
Analyzing the mathematics of financial derivatives and option pricing.
Investigating the effectiveness of different lottery strategies using probability.
Applying modular arithmetic to create and analyze patterns in art and music.
Exploring the mathematics of information theory and data compression.

Manmohini Tiwari
Hi, I’m Manmohini, an IB graduate with 40 points, now studying International Relations and Global Affairs in Italy. I earned 7s in HL History and HL English A, along with an A in TOK, and I’ve been tutoring these subjects for around four years. My experience working with organisations like NATO and the United Nations has deepened my understanding of global issues — something I love bringing into my lessons to make learning more relevant and thought-provoking. I focus on helping students see connections between ideas, develop strong essay and critical thinking skills, and approach the IB with confidence and curiosity rather than stress. My lessons are interactive and tailored to each student’s goals, whether that’s improving analysis, refining writing, or mastering exam techniques. I see tutoring as more than academics — it’s about building perspective and empowering students to express themselves clearly while staying balanced.. When I’m not tutoring, you’ll usually find me hiking, playing new music, or planning my next travel adventure.

A great topic blends personal interest with sufficient mathematical depth. It should be challenging but achievable, allowing you to explore concepts from the AA syllabus (or slightly beyond for HL) within the 12-20 page limit. The goal is to demonstrate mathematical understanding and critical reflection, not just perform calculations.

Yes, generally. While both SL and HL IAs are graded on the same criteria, the level of mathematical sophistication expected is higher for HL. An SL student should focus on mastering a syllabus topic in-depth, while an HL student is encouraged to explore more abstract or advanced concepts, such as complex proofs, non-Euclidean geometry, or advanced calculus applications.

It's best to avoid topics that are overly common (like the Monty Hall problem or basic Fibonacci sequences) unless you have a highly original approach. Also, steer clear of topics that are too broad to cover in 20 pages or those that rely only on data analysis without deep mathematical exploration, which is more suited to the AI course.

This is a common challenge. Getting a second opinion from an expert can be invaluable. A Lanterna tutor, who is a high-achieving IB graduate, can assess the viability of your topic, suggest potential avenues for exploration, and ensure it meets the IB's criteria. The best first step is to book a free IB consultation to discuss your situation.

Our tutors can guide you through the entire IA process. They help you brainstorm and refine a topic, structure your exploration, tackle complex mathematical problems, and ensure your reflection is insightful. They act as a mentor to help you produce your own best work, ensuring you meet every point on the grading rubric.

Not at all. It's very common for students to hit a roadblock. A Lanterna tutor can review your work so far, identify where the challenges are, and help you develop a clear strategy to get back on track and finish your IA with confidence. They provide a fresh, expert perspective right when you need it most.

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Yes, the consultation is completely free, and there is absolutely no obligation to purchase tutoring afterwards. Our primary goal is to provide you with expert advice and a clear strategic plan for your IB journey. It's a supportive session designed to help you succeed.

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The consultation is for any IB student (DP1 or DP2) or parent who wants expert guidance. Whether you're struggling with a specific subject like the Math IA, feeling overwhelmed by the workload, or aiming to boost your predicted grades, our experts can provide clarity and a path forward.

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