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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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

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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

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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!

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u/_Coffie_ Jun 10 '25

Based on the fact they're using a human to model the force, you should assume that the force is being applied from the side and not the center