This Math Minute was inspired by the Pringles commercial that played during Super Bowl LVII. I’ve always been intrigued by the shape of Pringles, but this commercial took it to the next level and had me pondering the mathematics behind this beloved chip!
Spark your math thinking!
Set up your math mini spark recording page: #68 The Math Behind Pringles
Create a list of 5 things you learned from the article.
A Pringles can is a cylinder that is 30 cm tall. The circles at each end of the can have a radius of 4 cm. Find the surface area and volume of the can. Click here for help with the formulas. Record all of your math on paper.
Watch this video on stacking Pringles in a complete circle. Check out Cooper and Jack’s attempt! Record some ideas about the strategy you would use to make the ring. What problems will you face? If you want to try this project, talk to the EY coordinator at your school.
Create a package that will hold a single Pringle. Send it to yourself (or a friend) in the mail and see if your package kept it protected during its journey (didn’t cause it to break).
The #spadyboys had a friendly Pringle Stacking Competition/Taste Test the other night. Check out the video!
Share your math mini spark recording page with your teacher/EY coordinator.
14 thoughts on “#68 The Math Behind Pringles”
The hyperbolic paraboloids intersecting double curvature is what prevents the Pringle at the bottom of the can from cracking or splitting in half.
I learned that the weight of chips doesn’t usually go above 150 grams. I also learned that to make Pringles you have to use Hyperbolic Paraboloid. It makes sure that the maximum and minimum meet a 0.
The Pringles are designed to take the geometry of a hyperbolic parabola. There is also a saddle point, and the curvature prevents stress to the bottom Pringle.
This Math Minute was inspired by the Pringles commercial that played during Super Bowl LVII. I’ve always been intrigued by the shape of Pringles, but this commercial took it to the next level and had me pondering the mathematics behind this beloved chip!
The hyperbolic paraboloids intersecting double curvature is what prevents the Pringle at the bottom of the can from cracking or splitting in half.
I learned that a Pringles shape is based on a hyperbolic paraboloid. It creates the curved/arched shape.
I learned that the shape of a Pringle has reasoning behind it, it’s not just a random shape.
The way Pringles are made is an architectural design used all over the world.
I learned what the hyperbolic paraboloid is and how that’s the shape of the Pringle.
I learned that the London Velodrome is in the same shape as a Pringle is.
I learned that the weight of chips doesn’t usually go above 150 grams. I also learned that to make Pringles you have to use Hyperbolic Paraboloid. It makes sure that the maximum and minimum meet a 0.
The Pringles are designed to take the geometry of a hyperbolic parabola. There is also a saddle point, and the curvature prevents stress to the bottom Pringle.
The way the Pringle is shaped makes it more crunchy and flaky. The same shape is also used in buildings for structure.
When a maximum point And a minimum point Meet at a zero point it is called a saddle point
I didn’t know that Pringles had so much math behind it. I guess I never noticed how complex it was.
They are specially shaped for good stacking and are flaky.
I learned that Pringles are really strong.
I learned Pringle’s are based on a hyberbolic Parabloid.