Double Maths First Thing still has PRE earworms Hello! My name is Colin and I am a mathematician on a mission to spread the joy and delight that comes from engaging whole-heartedly with maths. I’ve been in Peterborough this weekend playing with the Pseudorandom Ensemble, putting together some songs we hope to record. (We’re available…
Number Builder: can you build up from 1 to the target?
Here’s a question that’s been in the back of my head for a while: Starting from 1 and with just the arithmetic operations + – × ÷ available to you , how quickly can you build up to a given target number? You can do this on pen and paper, or even just in your…
Aperiodical News Roundup – January 2026
Here’s some mathematical news from last month that we didn’t otherwise report here. Sad news Dr Gladys West, one of the “Hidden Figures” behind developing the maths of GPS, has died. She was 95. (via A. Rivera). Metafilter has a comprehensive post about her work and influence here. While it’s sad to lose nonagenarian heroes,…
Double Maths First Thing: Issue 4A
Double Maths First Thing is cranking the handle to bash a stop sign into a boot. Hello! My name is Colin and I am a mathematician on a mission to spread joy and delight in mathematical thinking and process. This week, I am mainly recovering from taking the kids to see a Beatles cover band…
Mathematical Objects: Certified Mathematical Object sticker with Chris Nho
A conversation about mathematics and communicating mathematics inspired by a ‘Certified Mathematical Object’ sticker. Presented by Katie Steckles and Peter Rowlett, with special guest Chris Nho from Public-Math.org. Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe: RSS | List of episodes
Double Maths First Thing: Issue 49
Double Maths First Thing is still confused about the ladybird. Hello! My name is Colin and I am a mathematician on a mission to find and spread joy in doing maths. This week, I’ve been thinking about the ladybug puzzle featured on 3b1b recently. Austin Henley has simulated it, so I know the answer, and…
Double Maths First Thing: Issue 48
Double Maths First Thing is off on a nerdy day trip Hello! My name is Colin and I am a mathematician on a mission to spread the joy and delight of mathematical thinking and practice. I’m currently embroiled in discussions over an observation shared by Colin Wright and resurfaced by Chris Smith in his excellent…