“Perfect Number Fries” by Faculty of Science, Class 6

Perfect numbers──the most marvelous, beautiful numbers──refer to the natural numbers expressed as the sum of their positive factors except for themselves. For example, let’s think about our class number, 6. Its positive factors are 1, 2 and 3 when 6 itself is removed, and surprisingly these factors add up to 6. In this way, a humble addition actually constitutes familiar things in our lives. Of course, our fries are not the exception.

We will serve the “perfect” fries. Why are they perfect? The story begins with the world of atoms. First, let’s take 6 electrons, 6 protons and 6 neutrons, and make an atom with atomic number 6. Yes, it’s a carbon atom. Second, combine 6 carbon atoms, and we get a 6-membered ring of glucose. When the 6 glucose units are polymerized, one turn of the helix appears and these helices construct the starch. Finally, the starch changes into the potato and it becomes the salty fries. Fries actually consist of these small additions. This beautiful “6” story makes them deserve the title “perfect”.

In our booth, you can get “perfect number fries”──crispy on the outside, and warm and fluffy on the inside. Their salty flavor greatly relieves your fatigue. The melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich taste are just from the beautiful mathematics──perfect numbers.