British students’ formula for perfect cup of tea

British researchers have unveiled a mathematical formula for making a perfect cup of tea, which shows the optimum brewing time is two minutes and the ideal amount of milk is 10ml.

Undergraduate maths students at the University of Leicester took the challenge set for them by a building company to work out the precise formula for the perfect cuppa - for their builders.

They were asked to apply the theory from their mathematics degree course in a practical way and find an algebra equation to help builders to gain the maximum flavours from their tea.

Having undertaken their own independent study, ten groups of students presented their research, findings and conclusions to the building company Jelson Homes recently in a competition.

“We’re really passionate about tea so the project immediately engaged us. As part of our research, we looked at many factors including temperature, strength and taste as well as the amount of milk to add,” said Olivia Heath from the winning team of students.