| Algorithms For Present Wrapping |
| Written by Lucy Black |
| Tuesday, 22 December 2015 |
|
How do you wrap yours? If you are a programmer, or I suppose a mathematician, you might just follow an algorithm. Here's a video that shows you how to wrap different shapes for that perfect package. Do you, like me, sort of take a run at it and just hope that the paper and the present come together in an aesthetically pleasing way? Some people have been rude enough to ask if I just throw the present and the paper then attempt to subdue them with lots of tape. I also have to agree that tape overuse is one of my failings when it comes to wrapping. I'm a bit like a spider wrapping its prey in silk thread. Well this year everything is going to be different. After watching Katie Steckles perform wonders of mathematical wrapping I think I've got sufficient algorithmic wrapping loaded and ready to run to deal with any shape:
Wasn't she economical with the tape! Once piece for a whole package! The diagonal wrapping technique is worth knowing about. It was discovered a few years back and quickly adopted by chocolate bar makers as a way of saving money on foil - it uses a lot less foil than the obvious way of wrapping.
Apart from ensuring my presents look like something that Luke Skywalker might want to feel, it is also a reminder that algorithmic thought is everywhere. I also have to make sure that I put a selection of chocolates into gift boxes so they just fit. Thankfully I understand the knapsack problem and the greedy algorithms needed to solve it. And they say you shouldn't teach programming in schools! They deserve poorly wrapped presents.
Credit:The Man's Guide To Wrapping Presents More InformationRelated Articles$10K Contest To Solve A Problem Worth Millions
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| Last Updated ( Tuesday, 22 December 2015 ) |
