MathDB
The shape and area of the territory accessible to the dog

Source:

May 24, 2011
geometryanalytic geometrygeometric transformationreflection

Problem Statement

A square hole of depth hh whose base is of length aa is given. A dog is tied to the center of the square at the bottom of the hole by a rope of length L>2a2+h2L >\sqrt{2a^2+h^2}, and walks on the ground around the hole. The edges of the hole are smooth, so that the rope can freely slide along it. Find the shape and area of the territory accessible to the dog (whose size is neglected).