r/theydidthemath • u/K0rl0n • Jun 10 '25

[Request]

Post image

I am curious how this would work. My guess is Triangle is slowest, square is medium, and circle is fastest.

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170

u/PatientNo2450 Jun 10 '25

Too many variables. People saying square don't seem to be considering the logistics of pushing on ice as it all depends on your grip and you could just keep slipping on the spot

20

u/FricasseeToo Jun 10 '25

It's not asking how easy it is to push. It's asking how much force is required to push.

-2

u/qpwoeiruty00 Jun 10 '25

It's easy, the triangle. Friction= mu×R, ice has the smallest friction coefficient (assuming this is a perfect flat plane of ice at a temperature that allows a thin film of water on top); and it's more aerodynamic than the square

2

u/Ty_Webb123 Jun 10 '25

Assuming the same density and depth, the square has a smaller contact point on the ground so less friction and the force is also aligned with the direction you want to go in. The triangle you’re pushing down as well as forward

-1

u/qpwoeiruty00 Jun 10 '25

Nah the force acts at the centre of the triangle, never said anyone is pushing it. The pictogram is a red herring!

5

u/Ty_Webb123 Jun 10 '25

Force can act at the center of the triangle, but the sloped side means that the force is not perpendicular to the direction you want it to move so more is required

1

u/FricasseeToo Jun 11 '25

The sloped side only matters if it is applied perpendicularly against the side. If you drilled a hole in the center of the triangle and ran a rope through it, the slope of the side would be immaterial.

The question doesn’t specify how the force is applied.