IA Math SL IA help !

[smorton13]

G'day guys

 

I'm just sitting down to start my math IA and the idea I originally had is not going to work (effect of rate and resistance on a rowing machine 30 second test)

I have now started looking for another idea and I'm interested by the 100 prisoners problem. I was told by my teachers that IAs which revolve around probability often lack mathematical depth (Criterion E) which i the most heavily weighted area?

 

I will talk to my teacher about this again via email; however, I wanted the opinion of an extra source. Would this IA work? i believe it could be interesting; however, I have no idea if it will be mathematical enough?

 

Cheers Lads

 

P.S well done for everyone who received their results today!!

[Talalwarsi5897]

Hello. What your teacher said is true to a large extent. To determine the extent to which she is correct will depend on whether you are an SL or HL student because, as you should know, Criterion E is different for both. Although not a bad idea, you may find it difficult to explore in the detail required, especially if you are HL. I am familiar with the problem and personally, I feel that there is not very much you can do with it. Perhaps you have thought of it differently than I have and if you could briefly outline how you wish to go about it I, and others, can guide you better. For example, my exploration is on Infinite series and one section of it is entirely based on one of Zeno's paradoxes called Achilles and the tortoise. My point here is that I would fit in the 100 prisoners problem as one part of much larger whole, perhaps as a support to your original topic. Of course, that's just me. If you have any questions, feel free to PM anytime.

Hope I helped.

Good luck!