IB Maths Extended Essay

How to write a maths EE research question

Your research question decides almost everything else: what you read, which mathematics you develop and what your conclusion must answer. Build a first frame from your own words, then test it against six quick checks.

From area to question

  1. Area: the part of mathematics you enjoy (for example number theory or probability).
  2. Object: the specific thing you will study (a family of numbers, a game, a model, a method).
  3. Mathematics: the tools you will use or study (a theorem, a proof technique, a type of model).
  4. Limit: one case, one range or one comparison that keeps it within the word limit.
  5. Question word: how, why, to what extent, under what conditions, which.

Too broad

Prime numbers.

Focused

Which primes can be written as the sum of two squares, and why?

Research-question builder

Nothing is sent anywhere: the checks run in your browser, and your question is kept only on this device. They are rules of thumb, not a mark.

Six checks for a strong question

  1. It is a question.
  2. It is 10 to 40 words long.
  3. It names some mathematics.
  4. It avoids vague verbs such as “explore”.
  5. It limits the scope (a case, a range or a comparison).
  6. It opens with a word that asks for an argument.

Browse 107 ideas with research questions for examples, then save yours in the EE planner and agree it with your supervisor.

Frequently asked questions

What makes a good maths EE research question?

It is a question, it names the mathematics, it is narrow enough to answer fully within the word limit, and it asks for an argument (how, why, to what extent, under what conditions) rather than a description.

Can my research question change?

Yes. Most questions are refined as the research goes on. Record each change and why in your research log: it is useful evidence for your reflection.

Should my research question have a definite answer?

It should be answerable: a reader should be able to tell whether the essay has answered it. The answer can be a proof, a comparison, a condition or a judged conclusion.