Treegonometry creates perfect Christmas tree
28 November 2012
Original Source: http://www.shef.ac.uk/news/nr/debenhams-christmas-tree-formula-1.227810
Members of the University’s Maths society, called SUMS, have put an end to bare branches, by calculating the amount of baubles, tinsel and lights needed, as well as the size of the essential star on top. Department store Debenhams set the University the Christmas themed challenge to create the formulas for the perfectly decorated Christmas tree. The formulas are as follows:
Number of Ornaments = 
Length of Tinsel in cm = 
Length of Lights in cm = π (Tree Height in cm) = 3.141593 • Tree Height in cm
Height of Tree Topper in cm = (Tree Height in cm) ÷ 10
For example, a 180cm (6ft) Christmas tree would need 37 baubles, around 919 cm of tinsel and 565 cm of lights and an 18cm star or angel is required to achieve the perfect look. Students Nicole Wrightham and Alex Craig, both aged 20, from the University of Sheffield, created the formulas. Nicole said: “The formulas took us about two hours to complete. We hope the formulas will play a part in making Christmas that little bit easier for everyone.” The formula allows customers to be savvy when buying the Christmas decorations, as they can calculate exactly how much they need to create a beautifully decorated tree. Debenhams Christmas decorations buyer Sarah Theobold added: “The formula is so versatile it will work for a tree large enough for the Royal Family at Balmoral but also on trees small enough for the most modest of homes. Customers are often making the error of buying too large or small an angel; however this simple formula means you’ll have the tree to star ratio correct.”