May 2022
Problem of the Month
Goat Grazing by Gazebo
by James N. Boyd in the Virginia Mathematics Teacher Fall 2004
The cross section of a gazebo is a 10 foot by 10 foot square. The gazebo is located in an open, level field.
A goat is tethered to one corner of the gazebo by a forty foot rope. The goat can not enter the gazebo.
What is the area over which the goat can graze?
Colin Bowey was concerned about the welfare of the goat in this problem.
The goat is now allowed to rest in the gazebo but it will not be counted as grazing.
Water is provided for the goat in the gazebo.
So the goat will be protected from the harsh sun and the rain and will have access to water.