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August 11, 2011
Experts' Expert: Why is a 3-legged stool more likely to be steady than one with 4?
Long story short: "The 'mathematical' answer to your question is: A 3-legged stool 'solves' a system of three equations in three variables, while a four-legged stool changes its mind about which three of four equations to solve for the same three variables."
Hey — I'm just the messenger, read the long story if you want the step-by-step version.
[via Noll Steinweg]
August 11, 2011 at 12:01 PM | Permalink
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Comments
If a 3-legged stool 'solves' a system of three equations in three variables, a 4-legged stool 'solves' a system of four equations in four variables (think of a diamond shape rather than a square).
It's absurd to think of a 3 legged stool (or ladder) being inherently more stable than a 4-legged one.
An entertaining demonstration:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQh56geU0X8
Posted by: Fred | Aug 11, 2011 11:02:58 PM
What do you call an infinite-legged stool? A stump. 100% steady except during earthquakes.
Posted by: 6.02*10^23 | Aug 11, 2011 12:24:12 PM
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