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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around paper folding techniques, specifically focusing on a scenario where the length AG is 30cm. Participants explore mathematical relationships and geometric properties related to the folding process, employing the Pythagorean theorem and algebraic manipulation to derive equations involving the variable x.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Participants begin by establishing the length AG as 30cm and seek to derive further relationships involving the variable x.
  • One participant suggests drawing helping lines and introduces variables to facilitate the discussion.
  • Another participant proposes using the Pythagorean theorem on a right triangle formed by specific points in the drawing.
  • Equations involving x and y are presented, including $x^2= 2500-160y+4y^2$ and $900+y^2 = 625 + x^2/4$.
  • Participants engage in substituting and eliminating variables to find values for x and y, leading to the conclusion that $y=\frac{35}{4}$ and $x=\frac{75}{2}$.
  • Alternative methods using the Pythagorean theorem are also discussed, leading to the same values for y and x.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the mathematical relationships and derived values for x and y, but there is no explicit consensus on the broader implications of these findings in the context of paper folding techniques.

Contextual Notes

The discussion relies on specific geometric assumptions and the application of the Pythagorean theorem, which may not be universally applicable without further context or definitions.

Ilikebugs
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View attachment 6183 So I know that AG is 30cm, what else do I do?
 

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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)​
 
uhh I don't know
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Well... we have for instance the right triangle $\triangle EFH$ with sides $40-2y$, $30$, and $x$.
How about applying the Pythagorean theorem? (Wondering)
 
x= 2500-160y+4y^2 ?
 
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 $\triangle AEM$?
 
(AE)^2= 900+y^2 or 625 + x^2/4?
 
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?
 
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, $30^2+y^2=(40-y)^2\implies y=\frac{35}{4}$.
$(40-2y)^2+30^2=\left(40-\frac{35}{2}\right)^2+900=x^2\implies x=\frac{75}{2}$.
 

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