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: Dark energy

What is dark energy and how do we know it's there?

Maths in a minute: Dark matterPhysicists believe that around 82% of all the matter in the Universe is invisible dark matter. But if it's invisible how do they know it's there?
Maths in a minute: The brazil nut effect

Why your muesli shakes down in unexpected ways.

Maths in a minute: Compound interest and e

Compound interest is the curse of debt and the blessing of saving. Find out how it works and what it has to do with one of the most important numbers in mathematics.

Maths in a minute: Variance

If you're bored with the average, then move on to the variance!

Maths in a minute: The two envelopes problem

What's wrong with this probability argument?

Maths in a minute: Euler's identity

Here's a quick introduction to the beauty queen amongst mathematical formulas.

Maths in a minute: How does laser interferometry work?

How does LIGO detect gravitational waves? Here is a quick introduction.

Maths in a minute: Gravitational waves

A quick introduction to one of the greatest discoveries of the century.

Maths in a minute: Black holes

A quick introduction to the monsters that lurk at the centre of each galaxy.

Maths in a minute: The binomial distribution

The probability distribution that measures success and failure.

Maths in a minute: Polar coordinates

Polar coordinates are great for circles and spirals!

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

  • What do chocolate and mayonnaise have in common? It's maths! Find out how in this podcast featuring engineer Valerie Pinfield.

  • Is it possible to write unique music with the limited quantity of notes and chords available? We ask musician Oli Freke!

  • How can maths help to understand the Southern Ocean, a vital component of the Earth's climate system?

  • Was the mathematical modelling projecting the course of the pandemic too pessimistic, or were the projections justified? Matt Keeling tells our colleagues from SBIDER about the COVID models that fed into public policy.

  • PhD student Daniel Kreuter tells us about his work on the BloodCounts! project, which uses maths to make optimal use of the billions of blood tests performed every year around the globe.