As an expert in the field of origami and paper folding, I can provide a detailed explanation on the topic of folding a paper seven times. The question of whether it's possible to fold a paper seven times has been a subject of debate and curiosity for many years. The common myth is that you can't fold a paper in half more than seven times, but as you've mentioned, this has been proven incorrect by Britney Gallivan, an American high school student who holds the world record for paper folding.

### The Science Behind Paper Folding

When we consider folding a piece of paper, we're dealing with exponential growth. Each time you fold a sheet of paper in half, you're doubling its thickness and halving its area. The number of folds is directly related to the logarithm of the paper's area to the thickness ratio. The formula to calculate the maximum number of folds (N) you can achieve is:

\[ N = \lfloor \log_2\left(\frac{L}{W}\right) \rfloor \]

Where:
- \( L \) is the length of the paper,
- \( W \) is the width of the paper, and
- \( \lfloor \cdot \rfloor \) denotes the floor function, which rounds down to the nearest whole number.

### The Limitations of Folding

The primary limitation to folding a paper is its size and the strength of the paper itself. As you fold the paper, the thickness increases exponentially, making it increasingly difficult to fold. The paper's fibers also have a limit to how much they can be compressed before they start to crack or break.

### The Record and Beyond

Britney Gallivan's achievement of folding a sheet of toilet paper 12 times was not just a feat of strength but also a demonstration of mathematical insight. She realized that the conventional wisdom was based on an incorrect assumption about the paper's dimensions. By using a longer piece of paper, she was able to increase the number of folds significantly.

### Practical Considerations

In practical terms, folding a paper seven times is indeed very challenging, especially with a standard sheet of paper. However, with the right conditions (such as using a very large and thin piece of paper), it is theoretically possible to fold a paper more than seven times. The record set by Gallivan is a testament to the fact that with the right approach and materials, it is possible to exceed the common belief of seven folds.

### Conclusion

In conclusion, while it is extremely difficult to fold a standard sheet of paper seven times due to its size and thickness, it is not impossible. The record set by Britney Gallivan shows that with the right conditions, a paper can be folded more than seven times. The key is to understand the mathematical principles behind folding and to work with materials that allow for a greater number of folds.

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But thanks to an American high school student, Britney Gallivan, we now know that paper can be folded more than seven times, but not much more - Gallivan currently holds the world record for paper-folding at 12 folds in a single sheet of (toilet) paper.Mar 24, 2016read more >>