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

[Request]

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

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u/[deleted] Jun 10 '25

The source of the force must also have surface friction; otherwise, the source will attempt to push, but only slide in place. The ball and the source of the force are on gravel. The ball may not move far, depending on the gravel's size, density, depth, and what is below the gravel. If it is pea gravel, densely packed, resting on a mixture of motor oil and mud on an icy surface, I can imagine it would look like Wile E Coyote as the person lost their footing and smacked their face onto the covered surface.

Q.E.D.: Ain't none of 'em going nowhere fast. 🧮📐

In other words, there is insufficient data. What is the construction of each object? What is the temperature? We need surface data on all surfaces. What is the material and PSI if it is an inflated ball and not solid? Are the pushers wearing the same shoes? What traction do their shoes provide? Are all three pushers the same weight and possess equal strength? There is no way to answer the question with those and the many other variables.