IB Maths Extended Essay
How to reference sources in a maths EE
Every idea, result, proof, dataset, diagram or piece of software that is not your own must be cited where you use it and listed at the end. The IB does not require one particular style, as far as we know; it requires that you use one consistently and that a reader can find each source.
The rules that matter
- Pick one style (for example Harvard, APA or MLA) and use it everywhere.
- Cite in the text where you use the source, not only in the bibliography.
- Cite results and proofs you follow, even if you rewrite them in your own words.
- Cite diagrams and data you did not make, and say if you adapted them.
- Acknowledge software and AI tools you used, and what you used them for, following your school's policy.
- Record full details as you read: you will not find that page again later.
What to record for each kind of source
| Source | Record |
|---|---|
| Book | Author(s), year, title, edition, publisher, and the page or section you used. |
| Journal article | Author(s), year, title, journal, volume, issue, pages, and a DOI or link if there is one. |
| Lecture notes | Author, year, title, course and institution, link, and the date you accessed it. |
| Website | Author or organisation, year, page title, link, and the date you accessed it. |
| Software | Name, version, maker, and what you used it for. |
Citing a result you rewrote
Explaining a proof in your own words is exactly what a maths EE needs, but the idea is still someone else's. Say where it comes from, for example “The proof below follows the argument in [source], with the steps expanded.” That one sentence protects you and shows the examiner what is yours: the explanation, the examples and the analysis.
Keep your sources and the date you read them in the research log in the EE planner.
Frequently asked questions
Which referencing style should I use for a maths EE?
Any recognised style, used consistently, as far as we know; many schools recommend one. Ask your EE coordinator and follow your school's choice.
Do I need to cite Desmos, GeoGebra or a spreadsheet?
Yes: name the software and what you used it for. The mathematics behind any output still needs to be explained by you.
IB Math Revision is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by the IB. Criterion descriptions are our own summaries; for the official wording see the IB's Extended essay guide (your EE coordinator has it).