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: 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?
LIGO
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
black hole
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!
Maths in a minute: Cellular automata
Mindless games can produce surprising results.
Maths in a minute: Some basic linear programming
How to solve a tricky problem using a picture.
Maths in a minute: Linear regression
A useful tool for spotting trends in data.
Maths in a minute: Poincaré and the beginnings of chaos
How a maths competition spawned the foundations of chaos theory.