Short Cuts: Maths

Your expert guide to mastering the numbers behind the mysteries of modern mathematics.

What with the mysteries of infinity and imaginary numbers, the power of mathematical modelling, and the logic and structures hiding behind real-life situations and digital worlds, the modern landscape of mathematics is an extraordinary place to explore. But how are you expected to navigate this enigmatic and abstract world?

Short Cuts: Maths provides the map you need to start exploring seriously big ideas. Puzzling questions prompt 'short cut' answers written by experts in their field, with each one the setting-off point for instructions to help you plot your path through the mathematical maze.

Katie Steckles is a mathematician who lectures in mathematics at Sheffield Hallam University. Since completing her PhD in 2011, she has talked about maths in schools, at science and music festivals and in theatre shows, and has appeared on BBC radio and TV programmes including QI. Katie lives in Manchester, England.