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Geek Challenge: Infinite Snowman Stumper

Geek Challenge: Infinite Snowman Stumper

Ever wanted to construct the most mathematically magnificent snowman of all time? Here’s your chance. Figure out the Geek Challenge below…and don’t forget to actually build your snowman!

A snowman is to be built with an unlimited number of spherical snowballs where the diameter of each ball is 2/3 the diameter of the ball below.  If the first ball is 1m diameter, how tall will the completed snowman be?

A:  2m
B:  3m
C:  5m
E:  Infinitely tall.

Extra credit questions:

1. Upon construction of the snowman, it is noticed that the first ball consumed half of the available snow field.  Is this cause for concern?

2. It is desired to place the belly button at the level of the snowman’s center of mass.  How high from the ground should the bellybutton be placed?

As always, the correct answer with the best engineering content will be our winner. Submit your responses to geekchallenge@dmcinfo.com.

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Comments

Robert Salm
E
1. No, due to each successive reduction.
2. 0.75m from the ground ?

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