Maths in a minute

A basic introduction to the most powerful tools in science and enginnering.

The word "algorithm" has probably got more usage over the last few years than it has in its entire history. But what exactly is an algorithm?

Find out why the formula we use to work out conditional probabilities is true!

Non-linear relationships are tricky relationships. Find out why here.

The concept of homotopy is a great example of how the language of maths can make intuition precise.

How would you explain the natural numbers to an alien devoid of a number instinct? You could try Peano arithmetic...

Tea gone cold? Don't worry, you can cheer yourself up with the theory of thermodynamics.

How does your phone know what the weather's going to be like?

Wet cats don't cause umbrellas and umbrellas don't cause wet cats.

How good is your estimate?

If you've ever marvelled at a rainbow, you have witnessed dispersion in action!

Whether you want to understand viruses, win at lotto or solve a rubik's cube – you'll need some help from combinatorics.

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