Students at Sheffield University's maths society have devised a formula for decorating the perfect Christmas tree. The calculations, which took two hours to complete, determine the ideal size of the tree-topper, number of lights, baubles, and length of tinsel.
According to the formula, the angel or star on top should be precisely one-tenth the height of the tree. The required length of lights is found by multiplying the mathematical constant Pi (3.14) by the tree's height in centimetres. For a 183cm (6ft) tree, this equates to 574cm (18ft 9in) of lights.
The formula also specifies 37 baubles and 920cm (30ft) of tinsel for a perfectly decorated tree. Creators Nicole Wrightham and Alex Craig, both 20, said: 'The formulas took us about two hours to complete. We hope they'll play a part in making Christmas a bit easier for everyone.'
Christmas decorations buyer Sarah Theobold commented: '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 modest homes.'
