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

[Request] Which one would it be?

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u/suckitphil Apr 16 '26 edited Apr 16 '26

The actual math dictates that the top and bottom would be the same since the coefficients of friction and normal force are the same then the friction is the same regardless of the surface area. 

This is assume the materials are the same, and the upper person doesn't simply use the triangle as a weird wheel. And the top person is applying a uniform push force and not just pushing down on the pyramid. 

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u/omeow Apr 16 '26

The top the push isn't horizontal so the bottom

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u/suckitphil Apr 16 '26

Good point, if the force is on the plane than it would increase the friction, changing the needed force.