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: The catenary

Chains, arches and Wembley Stadium.

Maths in a minute: Fourier series

How the heat equation inspired the maths that powers the entertainment industry.

Maths in a minute: Maths and navigation

How the need to locate your location at sea led to some interesting mathematics.

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!

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.

Maths in a minute: False positives

Why a positive test result doesn't necessarily mean you have the disease.

Maths in a minute: How many primes?

Here's the ancient proof that there are infinitely many prime numbers.

Maths in a minute: The prosecutor's fallacy

Why a DNA match doesn't necessarily prove your guilt.

Physics in a minute: Configuration space

How to describe the air in your room.

Maths in a minute: Einstein's general theory of relativity

What would happen if the Sun suddenly exploded? Einstein wondered the same thing, and completely changed our understanding of the Universe.

Maths in a minute: Symmetry

We all instinctively recognise symmetry when we see it, but describing it in words is harder than you might think.

Maths in a minute: The second law of thermodynamics

Our messy desk is proof of the second law of thermodynamics...

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