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: Transcendental numbers (and politics)

A quick introduction to transcendental numbers, a famous problem which relates to them, and how the person who solved it became a victim of political tensions.

Maths in a minute: Truth tables

Introducing an indispensable tool of mathematical logic.

Maths in a minute: Chomp

A game involving biscuits and maths — what could be better?

Maths in a minute: The axioms of probability theory

Take a quick trip to the foundations of probability theory.

Maths in a minute: Graphs and the degree sum formula

Double counting proves a neat result in graph theory.

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.

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