Eli5 how can the distance between the top of two cylinders change depending if one is standing up vs if the if other one is?

Question

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?

In: 1

Answer 1

The tape measurer is telling you how far apart the two distances are (from the top of the toolbox can to the top of the floor can). Basically, top height minus bottom height.

When you raise the top height (put the toolbox can up) and lower the bottom height (put the floor can down), the difference in height gets bigger.

When you lower the top height (put the toolbox can on its side) and raise the bottom height (put the floor can up), the difference in height gets smaller.

Hope that helps.