Cutting an elephant-sized hole in a sheet of paper

In summary, the challenge asks for someone to cut a hole in a sheet of paper the size of an elephant's head. The two participants discuss different methods and come to the conclusion that the earboth's method is not clear. The winner of the challenge is the person who can create the largest hole in a sheet of paper with a circular perimeter.
  • #1
mathmaniac1
158
0
Challenge:

Can anyone tell me how to cut a hole in a sheet of normal Book paper the size through which even an elephant can pass...?
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
  • #2
mathmaniac said:
Challenge:

Can anyone tell me how to cut a hole in a sheet of normal Book paper the size through which even an elephant can pass...?

See attachment
 

Attachments

  • großesloch.png
    großesloch.png
    350 bytes · Views: 67
  • #3
earboth said:
See attachment
Are you sure there is an elephant hole in it?I know a different method...
 
  • #4
Can you see how (if we ignore the discrete nature of matter) that in theory we can make a hole in the paper as large as we wish using the suggestion of earboth?
 
  • #5
I didn't understand his solution.But I know how to create a hole of any size in a paper.

The idea is that we have to convert the area of the paper into perimeter...whats your idea?
 
  • #6
I believe you are thinking of the same thing suggested above.
 
  • #7
But earboth's method is not clear to me...I will look practicing...
 
  • #8
The lines represent where cuts are to be made, and the result is a long closed loop of paper.
 
  • #9
MarkFL said:
The lines represent where cuts are to be made, and the result is a long closed loop of paper.

Did you imagine it on your own.I can't...(Sadface)
 
  • #10
I've simply had more practice with such mental manipulations. What I suggest, is taking a piece of paper and making similar cuts in it as shown above, and then see what results. (Wink)
 
  • #11
mathmaniac said:
Are you sure there is an elephant hole in it?I know a different method...

Unfortunately there isn't an elephant at hand but I hope a camel will do ... :D

30aw4ee.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #12
mathmaniac said:
But I know how to create a hole of any size in a paper.

The idea is that we have to convert the area of the paper into perimeter...whats your idea?

Any any size ? , prove it mathematically ..
 
  • #13
Now for the follow-up question: how do you fit an elephant through a cube?

Here you go:
https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSuRh4lp-IxqEaxSfuzWb5BqZk1-NT1eoJOOoq9jYwgROaZ22aMPQ
 
  • #14
earboth said:
Unfortunately there isn't an elephant at hand but I hope a camel will do ... :D
Woah! That's brilliant.

And here I thought we'd need to cut down the elephant to get the job done.
 
  • #15
I like Serena said:
Now for the follow-up question: how do you fit an elephant through a cube?

The idea is to convert volume into area...

- - - Updated - - -

ZaidAlyafey said:
prove it mathematically ..

Ah,thats good.Now let us see what is the largest area we can create when the minimum width of the paper is 1cm...:confused:
 
  • #16
earboth said:
Unfortunately there isn't an elephant at hand but I hope a camel will do ... :D

I think my method produces a larger hole than yours...;)
 
  • #17
mathmaniac said:
I think my method produces a larger hole than yours...;)

What is you method?
 
  • #18
Not actually mine,the e-book's to be precise...

Here it is:

View attachment 710
This and many other problems I posted here as a challenge was from the book "Mathematical Circles" written by Dmitri and Fomin...
Anybody wanting it,please let me know...I will PM you...
 

Attachments

  • untitledfff.JPG
    untitledfff.JPG
    8.9 KB · Views: 48
Last edited:
  • #19
I was wondering what is the biggest area we can produce with perimeter?What would it look like?
 
  • #20
As a circular perimeter encloses the most area per unit perimeter, I would say it would be circular.
 

FAQ: Cutting an elephant-sized hole in a sheet of paper

How big would the hole need to be to fit an elephant through?

The hole would need to be at least the size of an elephant's body width, which can range from 6-10 feet.

What materials would I need to cut such a large hole in a sheet of paper?

You would need a very sharp and sturdy cutting tool, such as a large pair of scissors or a sharp knife. You may also need to reinforce the paper with tape or other materials to prevent it from tearing.

Is it even possible to cut an elephant-sized hole in a sheet of paper?

Technically, yes, it is possible with the right tools and techniques. However, it would require a lot of time, effort, and precision to achieve.

How long would it take to cut the hole?

The time it takes to cut the hole will vary depending on factors such as the size and thickness of the paper, the sharpness of the cutting tool, and the skill of the person cutting. It could take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.

Are there any real-life applications for cutting an elephant-sized hole in a sheet of paper?

While it may seem like a fun and interesting experiment, there are no practical applications for cutting such a large hole in a sheet of paper. However, it could be used as a creative art project or for educational purposes to demonstrate the strength and versatility of paper.

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
10
Views
877
Replies
3
Views
1K
Back
Top