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If you suspend a chain from the tops of two poles, the shape in which it hangs is a mathematical curve called a catenary. Without knowing the equation of such a curve, if you suspend a 200-foot-long chain between two 100-foot-tall poles, how far apart do the poles need to be in order for the middle of the chain to barely touch the ground?

The Poles need to be touching each other .

chain down 100Ft and chain back up 100Ft = 200Ft of chain.

Therefore no distance between the poles.

Is this a trick question? If the chain is 200 ft long the middle of the chain is 100 ft from each end. If the 2 poles are 100 ft long then the distance would appear to be zero.

That was my deduction too!

I'm not sure if you were setting us a problem or wanted to solve the problem yourself.

The weakest link!