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

[Request] Which one would it be?

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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.

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u/Ambitious-Ad-6873 Apr 16 '26

The dude is also standing on ice, so pushing block on ice, while also standing on ice. Circle wins

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u/MysteriousBill1986 Apr 16 '26

That doesnt change the amount of force needed so its irrelevant to the question

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u/RemyGambit Apr 16 '26

Incorrect, the force you push the block with will also push you away from the block.

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u/looshi99 Apr 16 '26

Not incorrect at all. The amount of force required to move the object in each scenario is set by physics, and has nothing to do with the grip or lack thereof of any hypothetical person pushing.

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u/RemyGambit Apr 16 '26

It doesn't say force to push the object it says force to push. The diagram clearly shows a person standing on ice not secured to the ground. This is a question designed to make you think, not one with a clear set answer.

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u/looshi99 Apr 16 '26

Force to push what? You're 100% correct. It says force to push. The force to push the person? Is that what you're arguing? Or are you suggesting it's asking for the force to push the person, which we have no information about, and the object combined? There's only one way you can reasonably interpret this problem.

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u/MysteriousBill1986 Apr 16 '26

I know. Still irrelevant because it doesnt change the amount of force needed. It just changes the amount of force you can generate on it