Have you ever read the package of your toilet paper? No, really. I mean just besides making sure that it's 2 ply instead of 1 ply (unless you like it the other way, then switch that) (mine says that it comes "with an extra layer* to get the job done" which means that it's 2 ply...random). Well, today I read the package. I found it very odd that the toilet paper I get is 501 square feet. Why I feel the need to know the square footage of my toilet paper is beyond me. But what is even more beyond me is that it is 501 sq. ft. Not 500, 501. That extra square foot is apparently important....because it gives me 176 sheets per roll. Not 175, but a 176. Now, I know you are all thinking that I need to get a life, and you're probably all correct in thinking this. But really, why the weird numbers? And for all you math people out there (you know who you are, and you know I'm not one of you) if I did have 500 square feet instead, would I have 175 sheets per roll? Is there a way to figure that out? Someone should tell me if that is doable math wise with the numbers I've given you. Have I just proven how dumb I am? Probably, but I don't like math..unless it's simple enough for me to do it. I find it oddly satisfying doing math when I do it well and correctly...but throw in complicated stuff and I'll just ask the people who know. Someone has to know, and I'm again oddly satisfied that it isn't me.
So if anyone could solve this little riddle of my toilet paper, I'd be much obliged. Not that it is going to keep me up at night, but just because 501 and 176 are just weird numbers. Which brings me to another random topic dealing with numbers. I think most of you know that I want five children (not for a while though...we're done for a bit). When Dan and I first got married we did not agree on this number, and truthfully I'm not sure we agree on it now. He wanted two kids because that is what he grew up with. I wanted five for the same reason. This was all talked about, debated over, discussed, etc. before we had any little ones running around. And yes, things do change once you get to actually experience them because then you know what you are really in for. However, I still want five. Why five now? Well, for me personally (and please understand that this is personally...I am in no way shape or form telling you that everyone should have five kids. You decide, and I'm happy for you for your decision. It's what works for you) two kids isn't enough, three is just a weird number, four is too....square, and five is just...well, a good round number. Yes, I know what you're thinking. Five isn't a round number at all. Well sure it is. Make five dots and you can make a circle. See, that was easy wasn't it. Can't do that with any of the other numbers previously mentioned. Two is a line, three is a triangle, four is a square, five...well now...five is cool. It is the first number that can become a circle, or a square, or a plethora of other shapes (which is all beside the point...the point is that this is why I see it as a round number). So is there a ryhme or reason to it? Probably not for you, but it makes sense to me....after all, I'm the one that is reading my toilet paper package. I gotta get out more.
13 comments:
I love this post! So dang funny. And sorry... I have no idea about the 501 thing. I wish you the best of luck in finding our answer, though. :)
And by our... I mean your.
Okay, I am NOT a math whiz but I can do this one. If you really care to figure out the difference, measure the width of one square of toilet paper. Now measure the width the other way (generally called the height but it's not really standing so..). I have no idea how big it might be but say it's 4 x 5. Multiply those numbers to get 20 and then multiply that 20 by 175 squares per roll. that's 3500 square inches per roll. divide that by 12 (because that is how many inches there are in a foot) and you get 291.667 square feet per roll. Then multiply that by the number of rolls in a package and you'll have your square feet per package (501, etc) if there was only 175 squares per roll.
I'm kind of embarrassed that I just did this, but I like you and I am sick so we will blame the fact that I did this on those two things.
Wow, Holly went all out. I was just thinking you needed to divide 501 by 176 (or the other way, sometimes I get confused, but the answer usually tells me if I did it backwards).
I was with you on the #5. Didn't want an even number of kids, and three wasn't enough. But, now we have two and Matt thinks we're finished. I'm pushing for one more. We'll see what happens.
Math and I just don't get along. I'll leave it at that. Holly's explanation had my head spinning. :)
Your totally random TP and kids post had me laughing. Thank you. :)
I came from a family of five. It was aways perfectly round to me. Never mind the toilet paper problem, but I'll take it to school and see if the math dept can figure it out. He He
whoever Holly is she hit the square footage right on. Good job. And as for the dots = kids nice try Tarah but if you are connecting dots and 2=line, 3=triangle, 4= square, then the correct definition given your pattern would be 5 dots= pentagon. So continuing your pattern...if you truly wanted a circle you would need an infinitely many kids. But I agree five is a good number of kids. Jed
Are you still on that medicine? Whatever, you gave me a good laugh. Plus, I read the numbers so I can compare different TP brands to see who is giving me the best deal pricewise. I like the number five. We were just blessed with it and keep getting blessed with it.
I laughed at whoever said 5 makes a pentagon - because that is what I was going to say... Now if you really want to get circular, go for 14 like that mother of the octoplets down in California. Oh and I like my numbers even, that way there is no "middle" child... middle younger, middle older, but no true middle.
Thanks for the entertainment. I also like the 5 kid thing too, cause I came from 5 kids too. I'm the middle child. Is there something wrong with the middle child? I haven't heard anything wrong with them. See and I'm surrounded by boys, but I still think it's a great number!!!
Ummmmm.....when is Dan coming home??? Are you o.k.?:) I guess it is a good thing Dan has been gone or we wouldn't have known these cool facts about the TP we use every day:)
Oh. My. Gosh! I love you. This post reminds me of so very many conversations we used to have together. I agree whole-heartedly with everything you've said.
Pentagon. Peh. Five is a round number!
Poor Cole:(
P.S. You're so lucky--you get 2-ply, my TP is probably only 150 square feet per roll.
Post a Comment