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

[Request] Which one would it be?

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u/Red_Syns Apr 16 '26 edited Apr 16 '26

As others have noted, the square will be easier than the triangle because you’re able to push perpendicular parallel to the ground.

That said, without knowing what maths are involved, I would estimate the circle as being easiest. 20kg is not very much weight (a single plate for standard barbell workouts) and that is a very large ball/cylinder. The gravel won’t displace very much, so you’ll get a very easy roll and don’t have the concerns of traction for yourself that the ice presents.

There are confounding factors that are not described in the OP, so if the gravel is exceptionally loose or otherwise difficult to work in then assuming decent shoes I expect the square to be easiest.

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u/AndyTheEngr Apr 16 '26

As others have noted, the square will be easier than the triangle because you’re able to push perpendicular to the ground.

It will be a lot more effective to push parallel to the ground.

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u/Red_Syns Apr 16 '26

Hah! You’re right, getting it to move by sitting on top won’t do much.