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#1 Trig problem

Posted: Sat Mar 20, 2010 12:50 pm
by Tony
A farmer agrees a neighbour can graze his goat on his round field so long as the goat only eats half the field. The goat must also be tethered to the perimeter of the field.

What is the formula for the neighbour to work out how long a rope he should use to ensure the goat only eats half the field??

#2

Posted: Sat Mar 20, 2010 12:55 pm
by christopher storey
This is what happens when you get frustrated looking for an E type. I am sure counselling will help!

#3

Posted: Sat Mar 20, 2010 1:45 pm
by Tony
Christoper,

I do not have an E type(yet) to talk about, so what else can I do other that annoy the forum with off topic questions :D

I promise I will soon get over this frustration of waiting. In the meantime I have a goat to feed and a length of rope to buy.

#4

Posted: Sat Mar 20, 2010 2:12 pm
by christopher storey
All right, I'll have a go(at). The rope required is that of the diameter of the field. The rope is put through a ring on the goat's collar so that it can slide through the ring . Each end is then attached to a point on the periphery which is at 90 degrees to the point at which the other end is attached, and at 45 degrees/135 degrees to the diameter line.The rope then allows the goat to reach each point on an imaginary line constituting the diameter,(as well of course as any point in its own half of the circle) but it cannot go further

#5

Posted: Sat Mar 20, 2010 5:41 pm
by Erikantwerp
Hi guys,

I sincerely do not know what is now more disturbing, the question or the (very intelligent mind you) answer given .... : )

cheers, I am impressed
Erik

#6

Posted: Sun Mar 21, 2010 10:10 am
by christopher storey
My answer may or may not have been erudite, but it is wrong. Your goat will eventually go hungry. Buy more rope

#7

Posted: Sun Mar 21, 2010 5:06 pm
by Tony
I though the answer would be more simple than this. I think I will sell the goat and swap it for a big cat.

http://www.smart-kit.com/wp-content/upl ... ution2.jpg



See Christophers link below

#8

Posted: Sun Mar 21, 2010 5:15 pm
by christopher storey
Tony - you need to edit your link to delete the urls to make it visible

This is the correct link

http://www.smart-kit.com/wp-content/upl ... ution2.jpg

Chris