To figure out when the soccer ball hits the ground, we start with the equation \( -16t^2 + 20t + 3 = 0 \). We can use the quadratic formula to solve for \( t \), which helps us find the time.
First, we calculate something called the discriminant (it’s a part of the formula), and then we simplify it. After doing all the math, we find two possible times: \( t_1 = \frac{5 + \sqrt{37}}{8} \) and \( t_2 = \frac{5 - \sqrt{37}}{8} \).
Since time can’t be negative, we only take the positive answer. This means the soccer ball hits the ground in about 1.39 seconds after it’s kicked.