Headscratchers
Maths on the back of an Envelope
What is a Googly?
Complete Collection for Parents
books

Books

I've written or co-written twelve books, some of which have appeared in several languages. The majority are about the maths of everyday life, but I've also written books on cricket, memory and creative thinking.

maths-and-puzzles

Maths

I am Director of Maths Inspiration, a national programme of interactive lecture shows in theatres that has reached around 200,000 teenagers in the last fifteen years. I'm closely involved with the UK maths community, from primary schools to universities.

talks-and-radio

Talks & Radio

I give talks to adults, teenagers and children that range from small interactive workshops to keynote lectures in front of several hundred. I've also done lots of radio (including numerous appearances on BBC Radio 4's More Or Less) and many podcasts.

Recent Blogs

Maths, Puzzles and AI
11 November 23

Across the world, ChatGPT is doing children's maths homework for them. But despite its supreme confidence, it often gets it wrong. more...


How to improve the nation's numeracy
17 May 23

Half of all adults have the numeracy expected of an eleven year old. How can we change that? more...


A Monarchy Mnemonic
6 May 23

Many moons ago my mum taught me a rhyme for remembering the kings and queens of England. Now it needs updating. more...


David Singmaster RIP
15 February 23

David Singmaster was a one-off. An avid collector of puzzles, and a world authority on puzzle history and Rubik's cube. more...


Who Cares?
5 January 23

As a society we've got used to leaving it to the system to care for people - but are those days numbered? more...


48 into 32 doesn't go
3 December 22

If you want sporting drama, the format for the 2022 World Cup has been almost perfect. Why has FIFA decided to ruin it in 2026? more...


We Need More Core Mathematicians
23 September 22

In 2014 education minister Liz Truss set an ambition that most pupils would study maths after the age of 16. In the eight years since, the numbers have probably fallen. more...


A Blog Index
20 April 22

Use this to find blogs that relate to particular maths topics more...


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