Articles

The death of the lightning calculatorRunner up in the schools category Being good at mental arithmetic isn't going to gain you much street cred these days. But, as Owen Daniel explains, not so long ago it was a sure route to fame and fortune — even if you were a horse.
An enormous theorem: the classification of finite simple groupsWinner of the general public category. Enormous is the right word: this theorem's proof spans over 10,000 pages in 500 journal articles and no-one today understands all its details. So what does the theorem say? Richard Elwes has a short and sweet introduction.
Damn liesRunner up in the general public category. "Lies, damned lies, and statistics..." Ben Parker tells us how to tell good statistics from bad, and make sure your cat is well-fed.
Editorial

The Plus New Writers Award 2006: the competition issue

Outer space: Some benefits of irrationalityOuter space: How to beat that photocopier
We must know, we will knowRunner up in the general public category. Great minds spark controversy. This is something you'd expect to hear about a great philosopher or artist, but not about a mathematician. Get ready to bin your stereotypes as Rebecca Morris describes some controversial ideas of the great mathematician David Hilbert.
Outer space: Bridging that gapHow to keep up the suspense
If you can't bend it, model it!Learn about the aerodynamics of footballs and perfect your free kick.
Unveiling the Mandelbrot setYou've probably seen pictures of the famed Mandelbrot set and its mysterious cousins, the Julia sets. In this article Robert L. Devaney explores the maths behind these beauties and shows that they're loaded with mathematical meaning.
Defying gravity: The uphill rollerWhat goes up must come down — or does it? Find out how to cheat gravity with Julian Havil.