Answer
If we apply a force farther from the hinges, then the distance between the applied force and the axis of rotation is larger and the resulting torque will be larger, which makes it easier to open the door.
Work Step by Step
The torque is proportional to the distance from the point where the force is applied to the the axis of rotation. For a swinging door, the axis of rotation is at the hinges.
If we apply a force near the hinges, then the distance between the applied force and the axis of rotation is small and the resulting torque will be smaller. If we apply the same force farther from the hinges, then the distance between the applied force and the axis of rotation is larger and the resulting torque will be larger, which makes it easier to open the door.
