2006-10-09 08:52:05 · 30 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
Seven
2006-10-09 08:54:01 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
The current record is 12 times.
Britney Gallivan has solved the Paper Folding Problem. This well known challenge was to fold paper in half more than seven or eight times, using paper of any size or shape.
In April of 2005 Britney's accomplishment was mentioned on the prime time CBS television show Numb3rs.
The task was commonly known to be impossible. Over the years the problem has been discussed by many people, including mathematicians and has been demonstrated to be impossible on TV.
For extra credit in a math class Britney was given the challenge to fold anything in half 12 times. After extensive experimentation, she folded a sheet of gold foil 12 times, breaking the record. This was using alternate directions of folding. But, the challenge was then redefined to fold a piece of paper. She studied the problem and was the first person to realize the basic cause for the limits. She then derived the folding limit equation for any given dimension. Limiting equations were derived for the case of folding in alternate directions and for the case of folding in a single direction using a long strip of paper. The merits of both folding approaches are discussed, but for high numbers of folds, single direction folding requires less paper.
Stringent rules and definitions were defined by Britney for the folding process. One rule is: For a sheet to be considered folded n times it must be convincingly documented and independently verified that (2n) unique layers are in a straight line. Sections that do not meet this criteria are not counted as a part of the folded section.
In some web pages the limits found by Britney are described as being due to thickness to width ratios of the final folds or attributed to the folder not being strong enough to fold any more times. Both explanations for the limits are incorrect and miss the actual reason for the physical mathematical limit. The actual understanding of the problem involves understanding the simple dynamics of the folding model and the resulting algebra.
In one day Britney was the first person to set the record for folding paper in half 9, 10, 11 or 12 times.
2006-10-09 16:02:49 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
An 80gm piece of A4 paper can be folded 8 times with the use of a vice...
2006-10-09 16:03:34 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Mix of answers here, depending on how you interpret the question. Obviously you can fold it once then the rest would be quarters etc; but if the asker meant how many times can you keep folding it in half, it is not possible to go past 8 times as others have said. Try it - its not possible!
2006-10-09 16:00:42 · answer #4 · answered by chrismyarse 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Usually only seven times, but it depends on the thickness and size of the piece of paper.
2006-10-10 16:04:17 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
about 7 or 8 times depending on the thickness.
2006-10-09 15:56:50 · answer #6 · answered by daisymay 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is seven times , But I have only ever managed six. It makes no mater how big or thick the bit of paper is either. Still only manage seven tops.
2006-10-09 16:01:31 · answer #7 · answered by Dirty Rob 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Only once Adam otherwise you will fold it into quarters
2006-10-09 16:14:54 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
7 times, 8 if your strong
2006-10-09 16:05:36 · answer #9 · answered by frut01 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
this has been scientifically experimented on loads of time and they probable got payed for it.
I read some where that it can not exceed eight folds yet no one has managed eight .
some one correct me if im wrong
2006-10-09 16:02:16 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋