[net.puzzle] One last solution for the Polar Bear Problem

gml@ssc-vax.UUCP (Gregory M Lobdell) (10/21/85)

> > The sequel:  (1) From how many points on Earth (assuming spherical etc)
> > 		 can you make exactly these moves, i.e., walk 1 mile south, 1
> > 		 mile west, 1 mile north, and be back where you started?
> > Judith Abrahms
> 
> The problem is trivial. There are an infinite number of such points lying
> on an infinite number of concentric circles centered on the south pole.
> The point is that you can walk N times around a circle whose radius is
> 1/(2 PI N) and still walk only 1 mile. Walking due west keeps you on the
> circle.
> 
> Bob Silverman  (they call me Mr. 9)

You all missed one point in all your infinities.  There is also the
north pole.  A mile south, a mile west, a mile north, puts you back
at the north pole.  

My humble apologies if this has appeared before,
Gregg Lobdell