Correct Anaswer : 2
Explanation:
From the question, it is clear that the path traced by the man is an ellipse having its foci at two posts.
Let the equation of the ellipse be
x²/a² + y²/b² = 1
It is given that the sum of the distances of the man from the two flag posts is 10 m
This means that the sum of focal distances of a point on the ellipse is 10 m
⇒ PS + PS1 = 10
⇒ 2a = 10
⇒ a = 5
Again, given that the distance between the flag posts is 8 meters
⇒ 2ae = 8
⇒ ae = 4
Now, b² = a² (1 – e²)
⇒ b² = a² – a² e²
⇒ b² = a² – (ae)²
⇒ b² = 5² – 4²
⇒ b² = 25 – 16
⇒ b² = 9
⇒ b = 3
Hence, the equation of the path is x²/5² + y²/3² = 1
⇒ x²/25 + y²/9 = 1