Maths EE Format and Structure

Is it finally time to work on your Maths extended essay? Clastify is here to support you in the entire process! In this post you will find our recommendations for preparing a high-scoring essay, focusing on its format and structure. While we suggest this framework based on our track record of assisting students in achieving top-rated essays, feel free to adapt the guide below to your preferences.
 

Math EE format and structure
 

The extended essay is a 4,000 words investigation that should consist of the following parts: 

Title page and table of contents

1. On the title page, you will include the topic of your investigation, the research question, the subject, and the word count. 

2. The next page should be the table of contents with all subsections of your essay along with the page numbering. 
    

Introduction 

1. Provide a concise overview of the topic under investigation.

2. Explain the personal or global significance of the topic, discussing why it was chosen for investigation and its broader importance.

3. Explicitly outline the aim of the investigation, detailing how you intend to accomplish it. 

4. Introduce the mathematical method that you will use, highlighting why it is the most suitable for the investigation. 

See here to get a glimpse of the matter. 
 

Research question

1. Clearly state the research question for your extended essay. For example: How does Elliptic Curve Cryptography ensure secure communication of information on the internet?

2. If applicable, outline both the independent and dependent variables along with their respective units.

3. Formulate a hypothesis.

Background information 

1. Provide a short background information to the main object being studied and include why it can be assessed by this method (for instance: why are functions appropriate to use when graphing the shape of an image?)

2. Define key mathematical concepts and principles essential for understanding the study.

3. If you are employing a mathematical model, describe it thoroughly and state any assumptions made. 

4. Along with the definitions include pertinent mathematical equations, paying attention to appropriate notation. 

5. Discuss the properties of different functions etc. 

6. Incorporate diagrams as needed. Remember about clear labeling!

7. Ensure all background information directly addresses the research question, focusing on relevant mathematical concepts.

As seen in this exemplar.  

 

Check out our free Maths EE exemplars

View all exemplars on Clastify

Grade received: C

How can we use Fourier Series to analyse and produce an Electrocardiogram signal?

Grade received: A

To what extent do Trigonometry, Elliptical Geometry and Calculus aid Forensic analysts in blood spatter analysis and the estimation of the time of death of a corpse?

Grade received: A

To what extent do the motion of strings within stringed instruments described by Fourier Series give insight into consonance and dissonance in music theory?

View hundreds of other Maths EE exemplars on Clastify

Click to view exemplars

Grade received: A

How does Elliptic Curve Cryptography ensure secure communication of information on the internet?

Grade received: A

How can Laplace Transformation be used to solve differential equations in Undamped Vibration and Kirchhoff's Laws of Current and Voltage?

Grade received: A

(35/36) Hyperbolic Flyby Trajectories in Orbital Mechanicss

Grade received: A

What is modular arithmetic, and how can it be applied to solve problems in the field of number theory?

View hundreds of other Maths EE exemplars on Clastify

Click to view exemplars

Grade received: A

To what extent do the motion of strings within stringed instruments described by Fourier Series give insight into consonance and dissonance in music theory?

Grade received: A

What is the most optimal point on football field to score a goal?

Grade received: A

The Analysis of Approaches and Extension of a Combinatorial Geometry Problem

Grade received: C

How can we use Fourier Series to analyse and produce an Electrocardiogram signal?

Grade received: A

To what extent do Trigonometry, Elliptical Geometry and Calculus aid Forensic analysts in blood spatter analysis and the estimation of the time of death of a corpse?

Grade received: A

To what extent do the motion of strings within stringed instruments described by Fourier Series give insight into consonance and dissonance in music theory?

View hundreds of other Maths EE exemplars on Clastify

Click to view exemplars

Grade received: A

How does Elliptic Curve Cryptography ensure secure communication of information on the internet?

Grade received: A

How can Laplace Transformation be used to solve differential equations in Undamped Vibration and Kirchhoff's Laws of Current and Voltage?

Grade received: A

(35/36) Hyperbolic Flyby Trajectories in Orbital Mechanicss

Grade received: A

What is modular arithmetic, and how can it be applied to solve problems in the field of number theory?

View hundreds of other Maths EE exemplars on Clastify

Click to view exemplars

Grade received: A

To what extent do the motion of strings within stringed instruments described by Fourier Series give insight into consonance and dissonance in music theory?

Grade received: A

What is the most optimal point on football field to score a goal?

Grade received: A

The Analysis of Approaches and Extension of a Combinatorial Geometry Problem

Grade received: C

How can we use Fourier Series to analyse and produce an Electrocardiogram signal?

Grade received: A

To what extent do Trigonometry, Elliptical Geometry and Calculus aid Forensic analysts in blood spatter analysis and the estimation of the time of death of a corpse?

Grade received: A

To what extent do the motion of strings within stringed instruments described by Fourier Series give insight into consonance and dissonance in music theory?

Main body

1. Provide a detailed examination of the primary mathematical concept and its application in analyzing the subject or theme of interest (e.g., how functions were employed to accurately sketch an image). 

2. Offer a comprehensive description and rationale for your chosen approach to address the research question.

3. Outline detailed instructions for executing the investigation.

4. Display all equations employed, alongside their derivations if relevant. 

5. Incorporate all generated graphs into the analysis, accompanied by a conclusion of the insights they convey. 

6. Present sample calculations for each equation utilized, with the remaining data presented in a table.

7. When conducting calculations, consider proper notation, uncertainties, significant figures, and SI symbols.

8. Verify that all data in tables adhere to the appropriate number of significant figures and decimal places.

9. When using technology, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of the conducted mathematical operations. 

10. Derive mini-conclusions from the data throughout the entire essay. 

You can use this essay for reference. 

Conclusion

1. Restate the essay's aim to ensure clarity and remind the reader of the primary objective.

2. Provide an overview of the depth of analysis conducted on the research topic.

3. Clearly present the answer to the research question based on the findings and analysis.

4. Incorporate experimental values obtained from the analysis section.

5. Ensure that the conclusion does not introduce new information but effectively summarizes the key findings and insights derived from the research.

6. You are also expected to evaluate your approach to answering the research question. 

7. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the entire study, and categorize errors. Next, state their relevance and impact on the results.  

8. Propose improvements and extensions to your essay. For instance, you could suggest a different methodology to answer the research question. 

This EE is worth taking a look at. 
 

Bibliography and appendices 

1. These parts are not included in the word count. 

2. In the bibliography, you should make a detailed list of all sources used in your investigation in alphabetical order. Decide on one style of referencing. 

3. The appendices will serve as a place for additional tables of data etc. however these can't be the crucial information for your EE. 

You are now one step closer to writing a perfect extended essay! For more inspiration head to the Clastify website and check out the remaining Mathematics exemplars. You can also see our detailed breakdown of the Biology EE assessment criteria here.