It is possible to divide a square into two rectangles so that the smaller
rectangle can be placed on top of the larger rectangle with every vertex
of the smaller rectangle on exactly one edge of the larger.  If the
original square has sides 1 foot long, how long is the shortest side of
the smaller rectangle?
                                        
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All midshipmen submitting correct solutions to problem #102 by 3:30 pm on
Tuesday, November 7, win a cookie. The best solution will be posted on the
problem bulletin board.
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A solution is "correct" if it gives a correct solution and explains why it
is correct; a solution is "best" if it includes the clearest correct
explanation.  Submit solutions to Prof. Hanna at mathprob@usna.edu, or via
the mailbox in Chauvenet 301.

                                
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Problem #101 (the strange function) was very popular with math faculty
members, but not with midshipmen. The only correct solution from a
midshipman was from Mdn. 4/c Milev, whose solution is posted on the
bulletin board in the Chauvenet lab deck corridor.