Maths in a minute

Want facts and want them fast? Our Maths in a minute series explores key mathematical concepts in just a few words. From symmetry to Euclid's axioms, and from binary numbers to the prosecutor's fallacy, learn some maths without too much effort.

Maths in a minute: Mathematical models

A basic introduction to the most powerful tools in science and enginnering.

Maths in a minute: Algorithms

The word "algorithm" has probably got more usage over the last few years than it has in its entire history. But what exactly is an algorithm?

Maths in a minute: Conditional probability

Find out why the formula we use to work out conditional probabilities is true!

Maths in a minute: Non-linearity

Non-linear relationships are tricky relationships. Find out why here.

Maths in a minute: Homotopy

The concept of homotopy is a great example of how the language of maths can make intuition precise.

Maths in a minute: Peano arithmetic

How would you explain the natural numbers to an alien devoid of a number instinct? You could try Peano arithmetic...

Maths in a minute: Thermodynamics

Tea gone cold? Don't worry, you can cheer yourself up with the theory of thermodynamics.

Maths in a minute: Numerical weather prediction

How does your phone know what the weather's going to be like?

Maths in a minute: Correlation versus causation

Wet cats don't cause umbrellas and umbrellas don't cause wet cats.

Maths in a minute: Percentage error

How good is your estimate?

Maths in a minute: Dispersion

If you've ever marvelled at a rainbow, you have witnessed dispersion in action!

Maths in a minute: Combinatorics

Whether you want to understand viruses, win at lotto or solve a rubik's cube – you'll need some help from combinatorics.

  • Want facts and want them fast? Our Maths in a minute series explores key mathematical concepts in just a few words.