Discover the Best Paper Folding Techniques: AG = 30cm and More Tips!"

In summary, after applying the Pythagorean theorem to triangles $\triangle EFH$ and $\triangle ABE$, we can find the length of the crease to be $\frac{75}{2}$. This can also be found by solving the equations $x^2= 2500-160y+4y^2$ and $900+y^2 = 625 + x^2/4$ using substitution and elimination. Alternatively, Pythagoras can be used to find the same result.
  • #1
Ilikebugs
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0
View attachment 6183 So I know that AG is 30cm, what else do I do?
 

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  • #2
Ilikebugs said:
So I know that AG is 30cm, what else do I do?

Hey Ilikebugs! ;)

Let's draw some helping lines and attach some variables:
\begin{tikzpicture}[shorten >=1pt, shorten <=1pt, font=\large, scale=0.2]

\def\w{40};
\def\b{30};
\def\x{75/2};
\def\y{35/4};

\draw[ultra thick, blue, pattern=fivepointed stars, pattern color=blue]
(0,\b) coordinate (A) -- (0,0) coordinate (B) -- node[below] {$y$} (\y,0) coordinate (E) -- cycle;
\draw[ultra thick, dashed]
(E) -- (\w,0) coordinate (C) -- (\w,\b) coordinate (D) -- node[below] {$y$} (\w-\y,\b) coordinate (F);
\draw[ultra thick, blue]
(E) -- node[above left] {$x/2$} (\w / 2, \b /2) node[right,gray] {M} -- node[above left] {$x/2$} (F) -- ({\b^2 / (\w - \y)}, {\b + \b * \y/(\w - \y)}) coordinate (G) -- (A);
\draw[gray] (A) -- node[above right] {$25$} (\w / 2, \b /2) -- (C);
\draw[gray] (A) -- (F) -- (\w-\y,0) coordinate (H) -- node[above, black] {$40-2y$} (E);
\draw[gray] (\w-\y,0) rectangle (\w - \y - 2, 2);

\node
at (A) {A};
\node
at (B) {B};
\node
at (C) {C};
\node
at (D) {D};
\node[below] at (E) {E};
\node[above right] at (F) {F};
\node
at (G) {G};
\node[below, gray] at (H) {H};

\draw[triangle 45-triangle 45] ([yshift=-4cm] B) -- node[below] {$40$} ([yshift=-4cm] C);
\draw[triangle 45-triangle 45] ([xshift=-4cm] A) -- node
{$30$} ([xshift=-4cm] B);

\end{tikzpicture}

We're looking for $x$... can we find a couple of equations that include $x$? (Wondering)​
 
  • #3
uhh I don't know
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #4
Well... we have for instance the right triangle $\triangle EFH$ with sides $40-2y$, $30$, and $x$.
How about applying the Pythagorean theorem? (Wondering)
 
  • #5
x= 2500-160y+4y^2 ?
 
  • #6
Good! (Nod)
Do add a square on the left hand side: $x^2= 2500-160y+4y^2$.

Now how about applying Pythagoras to $\triangle ABE$?
And to $\triangle AEM$?
 
  • #7
(AE)^2= 900+y^2 or 625 + x^2/4?
 
  • #8
Good! (Nod)

So we have:
$$x^2= 2500-160y+4y^2 \\
900+y^2 = 625 + x^2/4$$

Can we solve $x$ from these 2 equations?
 
  • #9
Well I can't
 
  • #10
Let's see... (Thinking)
$$x^2= 2500-160y+4y^2 \tag 1$$
$$900+y^2 = 625 + x^2/4 \tag 2$$
Eliminate $x$ by substituting (1) in (2) to find:
$$900+y^2 = 625 + (2500-160y+4y^2)/4 \\
900+y^2 =625 + 625-40y+y^2 \\
40y=625 + 625 - 900 =350$$
$$y=\frac{35}{4}\tag 3$$
Find $x$ now by substituting (3) in (2):
$$900+\Big(\frac{35}{4}\Big)^2 = 625 + x^2/4 \\
900+\Big(\frac{35}{4}\Big)^2 - 625 = x^2/4 \\
x^2 = 4\left(900+\Big(\frac{35}{4}\Big)^2 - 625\right)
=3600 - 2500 +\frac{35^2}{4} = 1100+\frac{1225}{4} = \frac{4400+1225}{4}=\frac{5625}{4} \\
x=\frac{75}{2}
$$
So the length of the crease is $\frac{75}{2}$. (Cool)
 
  • #11
Alternatively, using Pythagoras, $30^2+y^2=(40-y)^2\implies y=\frac{35}{4}$.
$(40-2y)^2+30^2=\left(40-\frac{35}{2}\right)^2+900=x^2\implies x=\frac{75}{2}$.
 

Related to Discover the Best Paper Folding Techniques: AG = 30cm and More Tips!"

1. What is the concept of paper folding question?

The paper folding question is a classic problem in mathematics that involves determining the number of times a piece of paper can be folded in half before it becomes too thick to fold. It explores the concept of exponential growth and the limitations of physical materials.

2. How is paper folding question related to mathematics?

The paper folding question involves mathematical concepts such as exponential growth and geometric sequences. It also requires the use of mathematical formulas and equations to solve the problem.

3. What is the history of paper folding question?

The paper folding question has been around for centuries and has been studied by many mathematicians and scientists. The first known reference to the problem was made by German mathematician Johann Martin Zacharias Dase in the 18th century. It gained more attention in the 20th century with the development of paper folding techniques and the use of computers to solve the problem.

4. Is paper folding question only applicable to paper?

No, the paper folding question can be applied to any material that can be folded in half, such as cloth or metal. However, the paper folding question is most commonly associated with paper due to its availability and ease of folding.

5. What are the real-life applications of paper folding question?

The paper folding question has practical applications in fields such as engineering, architecture, and material science. It can also be used to explain concepts in mathematics and physics, as well as to develop problem-solving skills and critical thinking abilities.

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