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 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
justice
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
sun
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
ice cubes
Our messy desk is proof of the second law of thermodynamics...
Maths in a minute: Expectation
icon
Why the expected outcome of rolling a die is 3.5.
Maths in a minute: Boolean algebra
Meet the algebra at the heart of your computer!
Maths in a minute: Simplifying circuits
Claude Shannon's ingenious insight linking physical circuits with Boolean algebra paved the way for modern computing.