Niamh Nic Daéid - 30-Second Numbers: The 50 key topics for understanding numbers and how we use them

The sums we learn at school are the foundations for a whole range of mathematical applications.

The text is laid out in six chapters. Each chapter begins with a glossary of terms and each includes a profile of one of our mathematical heroes, chosen by the different authors. Chapter four on probability, because we couldnt decide, gets two heroes. The first chapter, Fundamental Numbers, considers classifications of numbers you will remember from school, the basic building blocks of our understanding of what numbers are and how to tell the rational from the irrational. The second, Statistical Distributions, explores how numbers are used to explain different ways that data can behave, the types of variables that are used and how different tests can then be undertaken to reveal trends and inferences within collected information. The third chapter, Statistical Tests, introduces some of the key concepts of statistics used in the many tests undertaken to explain connections between different variables and answers the question of what exactly is a p-value that we were once asked by a senior legal colleague. Then follows Probability and Risk, exploring the causal relationship between two or more events from the basis of exploring the chance that they might occur. The importance of these concepts within the forensic science domain, in the understanding of the effects of new medical advancements and for environmental interventions is profound. Chapter six, Using Numbers, addresses how we may use numbers in real and tangible ways, exploring fractions, percentages, logarithms and algorithms. Visualizing Numbers is our final chapter, exploring the beauty revealed through the use of graphical representations of numerical data that have become essential tools in explaining and communicating trends and in comparing different datasets. Florence Nightingale, a pioneer in developing infographics, would be proud of what is achievable today. We finish with perhaps a look into the future addressing artificial intelligence, big data and machine learning.

With advances in artificial intelligence, more and more aspects of our lives can be controlled by digital technology.

Mathematics and statistics are beautiful, elegant and often mysterious languages, helping to unravel the secrets of the world around us. We truly hope that in this book we have helped provide some insights into their mysteries and revealed a window into their magic.

FUNDAMENTAL NUMBERS

Greek letter pi representing a mathematical constant defined as the ratio of a circles circumference to its diameter. It is approximately equal to 3.14159 and is an example of an irrational number.

Mathematical symbol for the square root. The square root of a number, x, is another number, y, with the property that yy = x.

Avogadros number The number of molecules in a mole of that chemical substance (usually atoms, molecules or ions), equal to 6.022140857 10.

binary digits In the binary numerical system there are only two digits: 1 and 0. This system is used by all computers and digital devices.