A math challenge

Nemo · 2010-06-23T06:40:40+00:00

I have a flagged patio. The flags are odd shapes and sizes and no two are at the same level. Anywhere I put a four-legged table, it rocks. So I thought I'd build a three-legged table, but I'd like it to be rectangular.Here's the question: where do the legs go for maximum stability, assuming they stick straight down underneath?I think the simplest solution would be for a square top and I suspect that a solution for a rectangle would be proportional to the square. There might be two solutions, one with one leg in a corner and one with it half-way along one edge. The math is completely beyond me. Is there a genius amongst us?Nemo-----------------------------------------------------------Posted using Android Newsgroup Downloader: .... -----------------------------------------------------------

Jun 23, 2010 81 Replies

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Josepi 16 years ago

True enough.

My scenario only works for a planar surface tipped at any angle. The three legged chair can always be turned so two are horizontal to each other and the adjustable compensate for the slope.

1", 2" and 3" above the lowest one. You can't fit two of the legs on the same block, so the two fixed legs will not be the same height--tilted table.

"Josepi" wrote:

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basilisk 16 years ago

I have the answer, not the one the OP wanted but an answer none the less.

Build a tripod with a center pipe mounted on a ball joint to fit the table top to, the lower end of the pipe will have a 2 cubic foot container filled with mercury(close as possible to floor) weighing about

1700 pounds, table will be stable on any footing and top will be level

basilisk

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