Category: Maths


  • Combinatorics of parentheses and binary operators

    Combining parentheses and binary operators to calculate arithmetic properties, and reasoning about their recurrence relations and generic closed forms.


  • Generating random data, part 2

    Given various sources of random data on a Unix system, which are the most efficient while also producing sufficiently random data?


  • Generating random data, part 1

    Why are computers so bad at behaving unpredictably, and how can we generate random data effectively?


  • Fixed points of hash functions

    Under what circumstances can (or must) a fixed point of a cryptographic hash function exist: where a string hashes to itself?


  • Mathematical quines

    A demonstration of a mathematical quine: a formula which prints itself when graphed.


  • The Monty Hall Problem

    The somwhat counter-intuitive Monty Hall Problem, and a quick mathematical explanation and generalisation.


  • Hangman strategy

    The best strategy to use when choosing words in Hangman, depending on the number of guesses allowed and the length of the word.