How can the shortest distance not be the fastest time?

Question

How can the shortest distance not be the fastest time?

Answer 1

Timespace is curved, therefore the shortest time between points (the null geodesic) is a curve.

Answer 2

well time of trvel depends on many factors that pure distance does not.Number of cars on the road, traffic lights, idiot drivers , etc etc . Or a road over a small mountain may be soewhat shorter than going around but the enrgy expended going up such a hill may result in slower times for a biker that if he /she rose around the flatter but somewhat longer route.

Answer 3

The rate of speed.  

Ex.  120 miles at 40 mph takes 3 hours.  150 miles at  60 mph takes 2.5 hours.

Answer 4

If you are driving, the shortest distance may also be the distance with the most traffic, the most and longest traffic lights, etc. causing it to take longer than taking a longer time to get to your destination than if you took a longer route, with less of those time consuming items.

If you are flying, winds influence the amount of time it takes to fly, regardless of whether you are flying in a direct route or not.  Sometimes, you need to fly around strong winds, instead of against them.

Answer 5

because the shortest distance can be to use a highway. however, that highway could be filled with traffic, for example. therefore, you may spend 3 hours waiting in traffic.  however, the shortest time could involve using backroads, which may result in driving a couple of extra miles--but b/c as many people dun use this route, you may be saving a lot of time.

Answer 6

First of all, your logic is correct; the shortest distance is often the fastest time because you don't have to travel as far.

However, if your question is why do computer programs like MapQuest or a GPS calculate a fastest time and shortest distance route, traffic is generally not the reason for the difference, although in real life it obviously is a factor.

The reason is that a GPS, for one, calculates the time based on the speed limit of the road.  So, for example, it may take you an extra few miles to get to the highway but the higher speed limit makes the trip faster than going 25 or 35 mph on surface streets. (The computer assumes you follow the speed limit at all times which is why they often calculate a much longer time than it actually takes.)

Happy trails!

Answer 7

If you're stuck behind a dumpdruck doing 10 under the speed limit can take more time than if you take a parallel road with little traffic, but have to take some side streets to that parallel road.