IB Math IA: How to Choose the Perfect Topic (+ High-Scoring Examples)

The IB Math Internal Assessment (IA) is an opportunity for students to explore mathematics beyond the classroom. It counts for 20% of your final IB Math grade and requires a well-structured investigation into a mathematical concept of your choice. But how do you choose the perfect IB Math IA topic? In this guide, we’ll break down the process step-by-step and provide high-scoring examples to inspire your exploration.

2/27/20252 min read

What Makes a Good IB Math IA Topic?

Not all topics lead to a strong IA. A good IB Math IA topic should be:

✅ Personal & Interesting – Choose a topic that excites you! Your enthusiasm will make writing the IA easier.
✅ Mathematically Rigorous – Use relevant IB-level math concepts (Algebra, Calculus, Statistics, etc.).
✅ Exploratory & Analytical – Avoid textbook problems. Aim to explore real-world applications or mathematical theories in depth.
✅ Well-Scoped – A topic that is too broad leads to shallow analysis, while a too narrow topic may not have enough mathematical depth.

Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing Your IA Topic

1️⃣ Identify Your Interests

Think about topics you enjoy—sports, music, economics, cryptography, etc. Then, find a way to connect math to them. Some examples:

✔️ Love sports? Investigate how calculus applies to projectile motion in basketball.
✔️ Passionate about music? Explore the mathematics behind harmonics and frequencies.
✔️ Interested in business? Analyze stock market trends using statistical models.

2️⃣ Narrow Down Your Topic

Once you have a broad idea, refine your topic to make it manageable. Instead of "Math in Music," you could explore "The Use of Fourier Transforms in Sound Waves."

3️⃣ Choose the Right Mathematical Approach

Your IA must incorporate appropriate mathematical techniques. Depending on your topic, you might use:

✔️ Calculus (Derivatives, Integrals) for motion, optimization problems, and growth models.
✔️ Statistics & Probability for data analysis, stock markets, and sports analytics.
✔️ Algebra & Functions for sequences, series, and real-life modeling.

4️⃣ Check Feasibility & Available Data

Ensure that you have enough data and resources to complete your IA. If your topic requires statistical analysis, find reliable datasets or collect your own.

How to Structure Your IB Math IA

✅ Introduction (10%)

Introduce your topic & why it’s interesting.
State your research question clearly.

✅ Mathematical Exploration (60%)

Apply mathematical methods to explore your topic.
Show step-by-step calculations and proofs.
Use graphs, diagrams, and data analysis where necessary.

✅ Reflection & Conclusion (20%)

Summarize findings & evaluate the reliability of your methods.
Discuss limitations & possible extensions of your research.

✅ Bibliography & Formatting (10%)

Use proper citations for any references used.
Ensure your IA is well-structured, with clear headings and explanations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Choosing a topic that’s too simple or too complex. Keep it focused yet challenging.
🚫 Lack of proper mathematical depth. Ensure you're applying IB-level math, not just descriptive analysis.
🚫 Poorly structured IA. Organize your IA with clear sections and logical progression.
🚫 Neglecting the Reflection Section. Examiners value deep insights about your findings!

Download Your Free IB Math IA Checklist! 📥

Need help keeping track of your IA progress? Download our free IB Math IA checklist to ensure your work meets all the grading criteria.

👉 [Click Here to Download]

Final Thoughts

Your IB Math IA is your chance to explore mathematics in a creative and personal way. By choosing a unique, well-structured, and mathematically rich topic, you’ll increase your chances of scoring a 6 or 7. Start early, plan well, and don’t forget to proofread before submission!

📌 Looking for expert guidance on your IA? Contact us for tutoring sessions! 🚀

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