mathematics in sport
In this issue we venture to the very extremes of human experience. We explore the life and work of Kurt Gödel, who would have turned a hundred this year, and who stunned the maths world by pinning down the limits of logic. We tremble with NASA astronaut Michael Foale, as he tells us of a space odyssey that depended on three little equations. We map out the future of life after Armageddon. And we find out what on Earth to do with a group.
Learn about the aerodynamics of footballs and perfect your free kick.
How to count without counting
Why rankings don't work
The recent news of the great Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar surpassing West Indian Brian Lara's record number of test runs has given maths-loving cricket geeks another opportunity to pull out their calculators and Excel spreadsheets. Marc West is openly one of these nuts and did just that.
Browse all articles from the Plus sports page.
Goal keepers defend against the maths of the new World Cup ball
Why length matters
If your team scores first in a football match, how likely is it to win? And when is it worth committing a professional foul? John Haigh shows us how to use probability to answer these and other questions, and explains the implications for the rules of the game.
How will the UK do in the 2012 Olympics?
A mathematical improbability in the Third Round of the FA Cup could have upset the Premiership sides.
With the rugby world cup in full swing, it's time to look at some numbers
Australian cricket to blame for oil price rise?
Modelling Olympic success
The mathematics of foam coats Olympic swimming venue
How long do football managers last?
Chess versus sumo
