Problem
of
the
Week


PROBLEM 7


As spring approaches, many people put up birdhouses for wild birds -- thereby initiating the annual round of ``Squirrel Wars.'' Seasoned veterans of these wars have learned to thwart the cursed rodents by suspending the nest from wires. The question to answer is: What configuration will minimize the total length of wire needed?

The details are as follows. The wire is to be strung between two trees standing a distance D apart, and are to be attached at a common height above the ground -- high enough so a person can walk under the wire close to the trees. The birdhouse is to be suspended midway between the trees, but at a distance d below the height at which the wires are attached to the trees, so that a person can reach the birdhouse easily. There are three configurations to consider, whose shapes resemble the letters T, V, and Y.


Go to the Bradley University Home Page

You are visitor number 5750 to this page. Page last updated 23 March 1997.