Question

The quadratic function h(t) = -16.1t^2 + 150 models a ball's height, in feet, over time, in seconds, after it is dropped from a 15 story building.

From what height, in feet, was the ball dropped? blank

After how many seconds, rounded to the nearest hundredth, did the ball hit the ground? blank

Answer 1

The ball was dropped from a height of 15 stories, which is equivalent to 15 * 10 = 150 feet.

To find out when the ball hits the ground, we set h(t) = 0 and solve for t:

-16.1t^2 + 150 = 0
-16.1t^2 = -150
t^2 = 150 / 16.1
t^2 = 9.31614906832
t = sqrt(9.31614906832)
t ≈ 3.05

The ball hits the ground after approximately 3.05 seconds.