Mathematics has provided an answer for those striving for the perfect Christmas tree, Britain's University of Sheffield says.
The university's Maths Society was set the challenge of decorating a tree so that greenery and glitz are in harmonious proportion, resolving the problem of a tree that is either too barren or gaudy.
Here's their formula:
- Number of baubles: Take the square root of 17, divide it by 20 and multiply it by the height of tree (in centimetres).
- Length of tinsel: 13 multiplied by pi (3.1415) divided by 8, then multiplied by tree height.
- Length of tree lights: Pi multiplied by tree height
- Height (in centimetres) of star or fairy on top of tree: Tree height divided by 10.
"For example, a 180cm (six-feet) Christmas tree would need 37 baubles, around 919 cms of tinsel (30 feet) and 565 cms (19 feet) of lights, and an 18cm (seven-inch) star or angel is required to achieve the perfect look," the University says.
For those seeking an easier way of figuring this out, its website ( www.shef.ac.uk/news/nr/debenha … ree-formula-1.227810 ) has a simple-to-use calculator.
(c) 2012 AFP
