My boss set one empty can on its side on the floor, and one standing upright on top of a toolbox. The distance from the top of the side of the can on the floor to the top of the can on the toolbox measured 49 inches. When we turned the can on the tool box onto its side and stood up the can on the floor, the distance between the top of the can on the floor to the top of the can on the tool box was only 45 inches. Can anyone explain why this measurement changed?
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I think it’s possible to explain this without actually doing math as some other responses have done. Let’s break down the differences between the two situations you’re measuring.
Start with your second picture. Now slowly tip the top can onto its side. Clearly you’ve reduced the distance, because you’ve lowered the top of what you’re measuring to be closer to the bottom.
Next, slowly stand the bottom can upright, to match your final picture. Again, you’ve reduced the distance, because now you’ve raised the bottom of what you’re measuring closer to the top.
In both steps you’ve reduced the distance, so it should not be surprising that the final distance is less than the initial distance.
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