Putnam 1974 A2
Source: Putnam 1974
May 28, 2022
Putnamgeometryshortest distance
Problem Statement
A circle stands in a plane perpendicular to the ground and a point lies in this plane exterior to the circle and higher than its bottom. A particle starting from rest at slides without friction down an inclined straight line until it reaches the circle. Which straight line allows descent in the shortest time?