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Maths in a minute: The square root of 2 is irrational
Here's one of the most elegant proofs in all of maths. Rejoice in its simplicity!
Article
Maths in a minute: Maths and communication
A quick look at the role of mathematics in communication — from making and breaking codes to making sure messages arrive intact.
Article
The happy ending problem
So easy to describe, yet so hard to prove.
Article
The mathematics of kindness
If only the fittest survive, how can we explain the evolution of altruism? Mathematics has some answers.
Puzzle
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Maths in a minute: False positives
Why a positive test result doesn't necessarily mean you have the disease.
Puzzle
Weighing balls
This puzzle is apparently used in job interviews — would you pass?
Article
Not just a matter of time: Measuring complexity
Are there problems computers will never be able to solve, no matter how powerful they become?
Article
Not just a matter of time: The halting problem
In the 1930s Alan Turing discovered a computer program that is logically impossible. What other limits are there to computation?
Article
Not just a matter of time: The busy beaver
Journey to the limits of computation with a number that's easy to describe but can't be calculated.
Article
Maths in a minute: How many primes?
Here's the ancient proof that there are infinitely many prime numbers.
Article
Maths in a minute: The prosecutor's fallacy
Why a DNA match doesn't necessarily prove your guilt.