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From: vsh@pixel.UUCP (vsh)
Newsgroups: net.puzzle
Subject: Re: Re: *** The infamous PIRATE PROBLEM *** spoiler
Message-ID: <33@pixel.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 31-Oct-85 11:44:37 EST
Article-I.D.: pixel.33
Posted: Thu Oct 31 11:44:37 1985
Date-Received: Sun, 3-Nov-85 11:04:57 EST
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Distribution: net
Organization: Pixel Systems Inc., Woburn, Mass.
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> interesting problem.  well let's see.  it seems to me that
> what you just described is the geometrical proof for the
> focus points of an ellipse without stating that it needs
> to be an ellipse.  nevertheless, the proof follows that as
> long as the surface is continuous and that the distances are
> measured accurately, the focus always will match the distance.
> because the angles are 90 degrees, the sum of the triangles'
> areas must equal the area of the surface. so that the two distances
> must equal.
> phil

I don't follow you at all.  There are three fixed points in the Pirate
problem, the forest, the rock, and the treasure.  What's what??

Please elucidate.

-- 
Steve Harris		|  {allegra|ihnp4|cbosgd|ima|genrad|amd|harvard}!\
Pixel Systems Inc.	|   		wjh12!pixel!vsh
300 Wildwood Street	|
Woburn, MA  01801	|  617-933-7735 x2314