TED-Ed: How folding paper can get you to the moon - Adrian Paenza

The video tutorial explores the concept of exponential growth through the example of folding a very thin piece of paper multiple times. Starting with a paper 0.001 cm thick, the tutorial explains how each fold doubles the thickness, leading to significant growth. By the 25th fold, the paper's thickness is comparable to the height of the Empire State Building. The tutorial further illustrates that folding the paper 45 times would reach the moon, demonstrating the power of exponential growth.

What is the initial thickness of the paper used in the folding example?

• 1/100,000 of a centimeter

• 1/100 of a centimeter

• 1/1,000 of a centimeter

• 1/10,000 of a centimeter

After folding the paper 10 times, what is the approximate thickness achieved?

• 0.5 centimeters

• 5 centimeters

• 1 centimeter

• 2 centimeters

How thick does the paper become after 17 folds?

• 231 centimeters

• 131 centimeters

• 31 centimeters

• 13 centimeters

What is the thickness of the paper after 30 folds?

• 12.5 miles

• 3.5 miles

• 9.5 miles

• 6.5 miles

How many folds are needed for the paper to reach the moon?

• 50 folds

• 45 folds

• 35 folds

• 40 folds