Question

The path of the stream of water coming out of a fire hose can be approximated using function h(x0=-0.09x^2+x+1.2=0, where h is the height of the water stream and x is the horizontal distance from the fire-fighter holding the nozzle in metres. At what maximum distance could the firefighter stand and still reach the base of the fire with water holding the nozzle in metres.

Answer 1

just solve h(x) = 0

Answer 2

can you please elaborate?

Answer 3

how do i solve if it has decimals dude. First solve it then answer at least. Oh just solve for h(x)=0, I didn't think of that! Seriously dude, how do i factor it if it has decimals?

Answer 4

also that zero beside the x is suppose to be a bracket lol sorry!!!!

Answer 5

You might have noticed that Steve did not reply to your question.

You may talk in a disrespectful way to your peers the way you did, but calling a distinguished professor "dude" is not the smartest thing to do.
I am sure one of your fellow dudes might suggest that you simply use the quadratic equation.

Answer 6

AMANSANDHUWILLDIE has been banned from posting for a while.

Answer 7

The quadratic formula works with all quadratics!!

h = -0.09x^2+x+1.2
h(x) = 0 when

x = [-1±√(1^2-4(-.09)(1.2))]/(2(-.09)
= (-1±√1.432)/-0.18
= -1.09 or 12.20

Now, how does that answer the question? It means that when the water shoots out, it will hit the ground again (height is zero) 12.20 meters away. So, that's as far away as you can stand and expect to hit the fire.