Formula For Perfect Parallel Parking Is Bigger Than The Spot

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The formula for the perfect parallel parking job was recently worked out by mathematician Simon Blackburn. It is: Minimum space needed=length of car + √[(r²-I²)+(I+k)²-(√(r²-I²)-w)²]-I-k Easy, right? Full solution below.

NPR explains today that the letters in the equation by Blackburn, a professor at the University of London, stand for the following variables:

r = Your car's turning radius.
l = The distance between the front and rear wheels.
k = The distance from your front wheel to the corner of the front bumper.
w = The width of the car you're trying to park behind.

Now it's simply a matter of plugging those variables into the handy formula and executing the perfect flow chart "how to" below — and all before the car ahead of you backs into the open spot. Good luck! (Hat tip to CSWingler!)

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[via NPR]