A math extended essay (EE) is a research paper that is written by students who are enrolled in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program as a part of their Diploma. The Extended Essay is self-directed research that aims to provide students with the opportunity to explore a topic of their interest in depth, with a particular focus on the application of math concepts and skills. In order to pass the paper successfully, it is very important to choose the right topic for the Math Extended Essay Topics.
In an Group 5: Mathematics extended essay, students work independently under the guidance of a supervisor to plan and carry out a research project on a math-related topic. This research project should demonstrate the student’s ability to engage in independent research, apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and communicate their findings clearly and effectively.
The math extended essay has strict word count in length and should be written in a clear, concise, and formal style, it should also include an introduction, a body of discussion, a conclusion, and a bibliography.
The student is expected to demonstrate the ability to design and conduct a research project, use mathematical concepts and skills to analyze and interpret the data and discuss their findings in the context of relevant mathematical literature.
The math extended essay also allows students to explore a mathematical topic in a way that is not possible in the classroom, it also gives a chance to students to demonstrate their mathematical knowledge and skills and to develop a more global understanding of mathematics.
What’s the Purpose of IB Math Extended Essay?
The purpose of the IB math extended essay is to provide students with the opportunity to engage in independent research and to apply their mathematical knowledge and skills to a topic of their own choosing. The extended essay is designed to give students a chance to explore a topic in depth and to develop the following key skills:
Research skills: Students learn how to design and conduct a research project and how to collect, analyze, and interpret data.
Critical thinking skills: Students learn how to evaluate sources, make a clear and well-supported argument, and solve problems.
Communication skills: Students learn how to write a formal academic paper and how to present their findings and arguments clearly and effectively.
Time management skills: Students learn how to plan their time effectively and manage their workload.
Subject-specific knowledge: Students get the opportunity to deepen their understanding of a particular area of mathematics and to explore the ways in which mathematical concepts and methods can be applied to solve problems.
The IB Math Extended Essay allows students to research and write about a specific mathematical topic that they find interesting. It also allows students to apply the knowledge and skills they have learned in the classroom to a real-world problem or scenario.
Completing the extended essay is an important requirement for students to receive the International Baccalaureate Diploma, and it also provides students with the opportunity to develop important research and analytical skills which will be useful in the future, regardless of their chosen career path.
Need help with your IB Math extended essay?
You can also use our extended essay writers team’s services if you need assistance selecting a topic. Furthermore, we can also help you write your IB extended essay from scratch or edit your draft following the IB criteria.
IB Math Extended Essay Topics
An extended essay in mathematics provides students with an opportunity to explore an area of math that interests them in depth. Here are some potential topics for a math extended essay:
- Investigating the properties of a specific mathematical function and its applications.
- Examining the history of a particular mathematical concept or problem
- Investigating the relationship between different branches of mathematics, such as algebra and geometry.
- Investigating the properties and application of geometric shapes in different branches of mathematics.
- Applying mathematical modeling to a real-world problem, such as optimizing logistics or predicting weather patterns.
- Investigating the use of mathematical methods in computer science, such as complexity theory and algorithms.
- Exploring the application of number theory in cryptography and information security
- Investigating the role of statistics in decision-making and forecasting.
- Investigating the use of mathematical logic in Artificial Intelligence and machine learning
- Examining the applications of mathematical methods in the field of engineering and physics, such as fluid dynamics and mechanics.
- Investigating the properties of fractals and their applications in computer graphics and image processing.
- Exploring the concept of infinity and infinitesimals in calculus and their implications in other branches of mathematics.
- Investigating the application of graph theory in network analysis and computer science
- Examining the relationship between topology and other branches of mathematics such as algebra and analysis.
- Investigating the properties of mathematical knots and their applications in physics and biology.
- Exploring the application of game theory in economics and decision making
- Investigating the use of mathematical methods in the field of finance and financial modeling
- Examining the relationship between chaos theory and other areas of mathematics and science
- Investigating the use of mathematical methods in the field of cryptography, such as elliptic curve cryptography.
- Exploring the application of mathematical methods in the study of complexity in natural systems, such as studying the Mandelbrot set in the field of chaos theory.
Remember to check with your teacher or supervisor for guidelines or restrictions and pick a topic that you find interesting and engaging. Also, make sure you have a clear and testable research question as part of the planning and writing process.
Students can use these themes as a starting point for their research and then narrow down their focus to a specific problem or question related to the theme. For example, if a student is interested in investigating the properties of a specific mathematical function, they could begin by researching the history of the function, its key properties, and its applications.
They could then narrow down their focus to a specific problem or question, such as “How does the shape of the graph of this function change as its parameters are varied?” or “What are the implications of this function’s properties for other areas of mathematics?”
Similarly, if a student is interested in exploring the concept of infinity in calculus, they could begin by researching the history of the concept and its implications in other branches of mathematics. They could then narrow down their focus to a specific question, such as “How does the concept of infinity affect the way we think about limits and continuity in calculus?”
Once a student has a specific problem or question in mind, they can begin to design and conduct their research. This will typically involve collecting data, analyzing it using mathematical methods, and interpreting their findings. They should also read and critically evaluate relevant literature on their topic and use it as a foundation to construct their own arguments.
It’s also important to mention that the research and writing process should be guided by the student’s supervisor and that the student should be able to clearly communicate the research question, methodology, findings, and conclusions in a formal academic paper.
Finally, the extended essay is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their ability to apply mathematical concepts and skills to a real-world problem and to communicate their findings in a clear and effective way, and this can be greatly beneficial for students who wish to pursue further studies or careers in fields related to mathematics and other sciences.
Some Tips to Help You Choose a Relevant Math EE Topic
Choosing a relevant and engaging topic for your math extended essay can be challenging, but by following these tips, you can make the process easier:
Start by identifying your interests: Think about the areas of math that you enjoy and find most interesting. These are likely to be the areas that you will find most engaging to research.
Consider the scope of the topic: Your topic should be narrow enough to be manageable within the 4,000-word limit of the extended essay but broad enough to allow for a thorough investigation.
Look for connections between different areas of mathematics: Often, the most interesting and relevant topics lie at the intersection of different areas of mathematics.
Talk to your supervisor: Your supervisor is a valuable resource and can provide guidance on choosing a relevant and manageable topic. They can also help you refine your research question and give you feedback on your ideas.
Make sure your topic is original: You want your extended essay to be unique and to make a meaningful contribution to the field. Avoid topics that have been extensively researched or that are too similar to other extended essays.
Think about the resources available: Consider whether the resources available to you (books, articles, data, etc.) are sufficient to allow you to conduct the research you want to do.
Consider the audience: Your Extended Essay is read by a group of examiners appointed by the International Baccalaureate, so consider the level of mathematical sophistication of your topic and the language used to communicate it.
Research to find a feasible topic: Once you have some ideas, research them to see if they are feasible, given the time, resources, and supervisor’s expertise you have.
In conclusion, writing a math extended essay can be a challenging but rewarding experience. The key to success is to choose a relevant and engaging topic that aligns with your interests and allows you to showcase your understanding and skills in mathematics. By considering the tips provided, such as identifying your interests, talking to your supervisor, and making sure your topic is original, you will be able to choose a topic that is both manageable and meaningful.
One way to ensure the success of their essay is to seek out professional assistance. Professional writers and editors can provide valuable feedback and guidance throughout the research and writing process, helping students to improve their understanding of the topic and to communicate their findings more effectively.
It could be a good idea to consider looking into reputable academic writing services where you can get help with your math extended essay and improve your chances of getting a good grade. They can also help ensure that the paper meets academic standards and requirement. However, always be sure to evaluate the source carefully and do your due diligence, as not all academic writing services are created equal.
Remember that the extended essay is an opportunity to conduct independent research and apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to a topic of your own choosing. By following a systematic and well-structured approach, you will be able to successfully complete your math extended essay and demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the subject.
Luke MacQuoid
Luke MacQuoid has extensive experience teaching English as a foreign language in Japan, having worked with students of all ages for over 12 years. Currently, he is teaching at the tertiary level. Luke holds a BA from the University of Sussex and an MA in TESOL from Lancaster University, both located in England. As well to his work as an IB Examiner and Master Tutor, Luke also enjoys sharing his experiences and insights with others through writing articles for various websites, including extendedessaywriters.com blog
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