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Maths in a minute: False positives
Why a positive test result doesn't necessarily mean you have the disease.
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.
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Maths in a minute: How many primes?
Here's the ancient proof that there are infinitely many prime numbers.
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Maths in a minute: The prosecutor's fallacy
Why a DNA match doesn't necessarily prove your guilt.
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Physics in a minute: Configuration space
How to describe the air in your room.
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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.
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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.
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Maths in a minute: The second law of thermodynamics
Our messy desk is proof of the second law of thermodynamics...
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Maths in a minute: Expectation
Why the expected outcome of rolling a die is 3.5.
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Maths in a minute: Boolean algebra
Meet the algebra at the heart of your computer!
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Maths in a minute: Simplifying circuits
Claude Shannon's ingenious insight linking physical circuits with Boolean algebra paved the way for modern computing.
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Maths in a minute: The central limit theorem
Opinion polls, election forecasts, testing new medical drugs — none of these would be possible without the central limit theorem.
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Maths in a minute: n-body problems
Why too many bodies present a problem.