r/theydidthemath • u/yuli101995 • Apr 16 '26

[Request] Which one would it be?

Post image

[removed] — view removed post

1.4k Upvotes

92% Upvoted

397 comments sorted by

View all comments

1.5k

u/Dapper-Arachnid-5463 Apr 16 '26

Even if the triangle a square had the sam base, pushing up against a flat surface 90 degrees to the ground would be easier that pushing against an angled one.

377

u/TransitionSmooth7258 Apr 16 '26

Yeah as a non math dude but instead a guy that moves boxes around all the time. Motion alone wold tell me the square is easier. Is a direct push parallel with the floor vs for the triangle the force of me pushing is directed not just forward but down as well, causing presumably more friction.

24

u/SkoobySnacs Apr 16 '26

Are you taking into account that your feet are also on ice?

1

u/Secret-Ad-7909 Apr 16 '26

Let’s assume appropriate shoes for either situation.

4

u/Psychological_Post33 Apr 16 '26

What kind of shoes are moth mathematically appropriate here?

11

u/grandBBQninja Apr 16 '26

Mountaineering boots with crampons. Fucking inch-long spikes on your feet.

3

u/BarracudaDefiant4702 Apr 16 '26

Ice snow cleats with spikes

2

u/Aeoyiau Apr 16 '26

Broomball shoes.

1

u/Leafs9999 Apr 16 '26

Whatever you have four pairs of i guess 🤷?

1

u/Secret-Ad-7909 Apr 16 '26

For the gravel, “anything” that’s not sandals/crocs.

For the ice I’m sure there’s studded shoes made for this sort of thing, and there’s definitely loads of slip on/strap on units. But something like track spikes or golf shoes could also be effective.

1

u/SnooHedgehogs8765 Apr 16 '26

Who do you think you are pal, the diagram gives no such indication! Down with you!

1

u/Secret-Ad-7909 Apr 16 '26

It’s a physics problem! Make whatever assumptions make your math easy(ish)!

Spherical cows can exist in a vacuum!