Problem 149 Solution

Consider the oak tree to be at point (0,0), the palm tree to be at (p,0), and the gallows to be at (x,y). The location of the first stake is (p+y,p-x). The location of the second stake is (-y,x). The midpoint is ((p+y-y)/2,(p-x-(-x))/2) = (p/2,p/2).

Thanks to the Geometry Forum for this problem.

Michael Shackleford, ASA, October 21, 1999

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