Not any kind of design emergency here - just wondering...
I am working my way through a variety of books and have run across a curious (to me) disconnect. It appears common knowledge that a tapered wing is a fine substitute for the optimal elliptical planform concerning lift distribution. However, one text indicates a taper ratio of .35 is the “closest” to elliptical, while another says .45… I know that in practice this is not a significant difference, but I’m a very black and white personality who loves absolutes - and this 10% disparity drives me nuts! Anybody have info that breaks the tie?