Find the shortest line segment that will divide a 3-4-5 right
triangle into two pieces of equal area.

(From Konhauser, Velleman, & Wagon, Which Way did the Bicycle Go?)

There will be a $1 prize for the best correct solution submitted
by a midshipman.

A solution is "correct" if it answers the question correctly and
explains
the answer; a solution is "best" if it includes the clearest
correct
explanation.  Solutions are due by noon on Wednesday, February 3,
1999.
Submit solutions to Prof. Hanna at mathprob@nadn.navy.mil, or via
the mailbox in Chauvenet 301.


-----------------------
Correct answers to problem #84, the revised product rule and
quotient rule, came from Midn 3/c Rivera, Midn 4/c Day, Prof. Whiting, and
J. Meuller, who describes himself as "Midn. Hopeful 04."  Only Mr.
Rivera and Prof. Whiting offered explanations for their answers (which is
that only f = 0 works), so Mr. Rivera wins the $1.  His solution is posted on
the bulletin board in the Chauvenet lab deck corridor.