In 1696, the mathematician Johann Bernoulli posited a very simple question.

Assuming there was no friction, what was the fastest shape for an object to slide down to go from point A to point B?

That simple question stumped some of the world's greatest

mathematicians. The answer to that question isn't what you think it might be and

it has some very interesting implications. Learn more about the Burkistachron problem and what exactly a Burkistachron is on this episode of

Everything Everywhere Daily. This entire episode stemmed from a single question published in a scientific journal over 300 years ago.

Johann Bernoulli, a member of the Mathev family of Switzerland, posited a question to the scientific

journal Aetka Euro-Dittoram in June of 1696. His entire submission was as follows, quote,

I Johann Bernoulli addressed the most brilliant mathematicians in the world.

Nothing is more attractive to intelligent people than an honest challenging problem

whose possible solution will

bestow fame and remain as a lasting monument.

Following the example set by Pascal, Ferma, etc, I hope to gain the gratitude of the whole scientific community by placing before the finest

mathematicians of our time a problem which will test their methods and the strength of their

intellect. If someone communicates to me the solution of the proposed problem, I shall publicly

declare him worthy of praise."

The problem he stated was as follows.

Quote, given two points A and B in a vertical plane, what is the curve

traced out by a point acted upon only by gravity which starts at A and reaches B in the

shortest time? End quote.

The problem was dubbed the brachista chrome problem.

And if you haven't heard the term brachista crone before,

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