UK students have developed and successfully tested a mathematical formula to prepare the perfect pancakes.
The formula will enable pancake-lovers across the world to rustle-up pancakes to their own personal preference, taking into account the number of pancakes required, thickness and pan size.
"Whether you're feeding a hungry family of six or simply wishing to treat yourself on Shrove Tuesday, the formula will help you prepare the perfect pancake feast," said researchers from the University of Sheffield, who developed the formula in collaboration with Meadowhall Shopping Centre.
To create the perfect pancake, you need to start by squaring the diameter of the frying pan, measuring in centimetres.
Multiply that number by your desired pancake thickness (T) by pi and divide it by four, the formula looks like "D2 x T x Pi / 4."
That formula is the amount of batter you will need per pancake, measured in millilitres.
In order to get the total amount of batter needed the formula would be "D2 x T x Pi x P/4" where P is the number of pancakes you want to make.
For those that don't have a pencil and paper, or a spreadsheet open, the University has an Excel app that will calculate the formula automatically.
"Cooking is full of scientific and mathematical formulas, so when Meadowhall approached us to see if we'd like to join in the fun, we jumped at the chance," Gaby Thompson, President of the Sheffield's Maths Society (SUMS), and one of the formula's creators, said.
"Cooking is a fun and innovative way to demonstrate how maths can be used and explored in everyday life and we hope by developing this formula it will encourage more people to engage with the subject and help to combat maths phobia," said Thompson.
