Path: utzoo!attcan!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!purdue!bu-cs!encore!cloud9!cme From: cme@cloud9.Stratus.COM (Carl Ellison) Newsgroups: comp.graphics Subject: Re: Tangents to Three Circles (***FLAME***) Summary: insulting? you bet! Message-ID: <7159@cloud9.Stratus.COM> Date: 18 Aug 89 14:06:56 GMT References: <859@mrsvr.UUCP> <890@mrsvr.UUCP> Organization: Stratus Computer, Inc., Marlboro, MA Lines: 42 In article <890@mrsvr.UUCP>, hallett@shoreland.uucp (Jeff Hallett x4-6328) writes: > In article beshers@cs.cs.columbia.edu (Clifford Beshers) writes: > >In article <859@mrsvr.UUCP> hallett@mrsvr.UUCP (Jeff Hallett) writes: > > >I realize that, > > >as specified, there are upto 6 possible solutions, but there is > > >always one. > >What about the case where > >a, b and c share the same center, but each has a radius different > >from the other. > Ok, so perhaps I was too > hasty in stating that there is always a solution. > [ . . . ] > Rather than critquing the problem, how about a solution which either > finds the tangential circles or determines that there is no such > circle? > [ . . . ] > Apologies if this sounds needlessly harsh, but I find this type of > posting very insulting. It does not help me in my predicament in the > least and only makes me feel worse for being unable to solve it in the > first place. What do you think this newsgroup is, anyway? ...a private, free pool of expertise to solve your work problems for you? I've got a suggestion. Why don't you solve the problem yourself and post your solution? Meanwhile, the practice of providing a counter-example is in the best tradition of mathematics and probably the most helpful thing someone could have done. I believe that you owe a thank-you to Clifford Beshers for doing that. I'm sure he had no intention of insulting you. He's doing what any good mathematician does -- shoot down an improper statement and do it with an economy of words. On the other hand, your attitude about his posting and about the network in general does invite a personal attack. I would suggest that you reconsider both. --Carl Ellison UUCP:: cme@cloud9.Stratus.COM SNail:: Stratus Computer; 55 Fairbanks Blvd.; Marlborough MA 01752 Disclaimer:: (of course)