30-Second Numbers

30-Second Numbers highlights 50 key topics for understanding numbers and how we use them, each explained in half a minute.

The successful 30-Second series tackles numbers, with experts on maths and data demystifying the essential numerical topics. We know that we use numbers pretty often, some of us confidently, others reluctantly. But are we aware of just how essential they are to almost every decision we make? Counting and measuring when we're shopping, travelling, studying or playing are just the beginning; the applications of numbers are endless, from assessing variables and analysing data to the calculations and predictions of advanced artificial intelligence.

30-Second Numbers explores number categories, the science of measuring, how guesstimates work, and the visualisation of numbers, taking you behind the digits into the world of statistics, probability, risk and ratios. Numbers are our way of imposing order on the world, and each of the 50 topics here uses just 300 words and one picture to give you a sense of control, helping you to understand trends in statistical data, how algorithms are used and the methods involved in machine learning. With this book, numbers need never be daunting again.

About the Authors

Professor Niamh Nic Daeid is one of the UK's leading researchers in forensic science, is Professor of Forensic Science at the University of Dundee. Previously based at the University of Strathclyde for two decades, she was the first woman to earn a personal chair in the Department of Chemistry in Strathclyde's 215-year history.

Christian Cole is a data scientist and principal investigator at the Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, University of Dundee, Scotland, where he works on biological problems with large data sets.