Uploaded April 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Why do some suitcase designs seem to cause more headaches than help—especially in crowded airports? In this video, we explore the math and physics behind pulling a suitcase and how it causes strain on your body, giving some people headaches! Using geometry, trigonometry, and a bit of optimization, we uncover how poor design choices create real-world problems. It’s a fun, visual breakdown of a frustrating everyday experience, and a great example of how math helps explain—and maybe even solve—the little design flaws that make travel harder than it needs to be.
Math The World is dedicated to bringing real world math problems into the classroom and answering the age old question “when will I ever use this?”
We use unique topics for algebra, trigonometry, calculus, and much more and go beyond context problems and use a technique called mathematical modeling to find solutions to real world questions and real world problems. These videos are great for students who plan to enter technical fields that require real world problem solving, and can be a great resource for teachers looking for ways to bring real world contexts into their classroom.
Instagram: instagram.com/maththeworld
Twitter/X: twitter.com/math_the_world
Facebook: facebook.com/maththeworldproject
Email: MathTheWorld@byu.edu
Created by Doug Corey
Script: Doug Corey and Jennifer Canizales
Audio: Doug Corey
Animation: Jennifer Canizales
Music: Coma Media \ Restum Anoush from Pixabay
© 2025 BYU
Why do some suitcase designs seem to cause more headaches than help—especially in crowded airports? In this video, we explore the math and physics behind pulling a suitcase and how it causes strain on your body, giving some people headaches! Using geometry, trigonometry, and a bit of optimization, we uncover how poor design choices create real-world problems. It’s a fun, visual breakdown of a frustrating everyday experience, and a great example of how math helps explain—and maybe even solve—the little design flaws that make travel harder than it needs to be.
Math The World is dedicated to bringing real world math problems into the classroom and answering the age old question “when will I ever use this?”
We use unique topics for algebra, trigonometry, calculus, and much more and go beyond context problems and use a technique called mathematical modeling to find solutions to real world questions and real world problems. These videos are great for students who plan to enter technical fields that require real world problem solving, and can be a great resource for teachers looking for ways to bring real world contexts into their classroom.
Instagram: instagram.com/maththeworld
Twitter/X: twitter.com/math_the_world
Facebook: facebook.com/maththeworldproject
Email: MathTheWorld@byu.edu
Created by Doug Corey
Script: Doug Corey and Jennifer Canizales
Audio: Doug Corey
Animation: Jennifer Canizales
Music: Coma Media \ Restum Anoush from Pixabay
© 2025 BYU
