Question

David kicks a soccer ball into the air with an initial upward velocity of 32 feet per second. The situation is modeled by the equation h=−16t2+32t+7
where h represents the height of the ball in feet and t represents the time in seconds.

Use the vertex formula to complete the following statements.

(2 points)
It takes
second(s) for the ball to reach the maximum height.

The maximum height of the ball is
feet.

1 answer

To find the time \( t \) at which the ball reaches its maximum height using the vertex formula for a quadratic equation of the form \( h = at^2 + bt + c \), we use the formula for the \( t \)-coordinate of the vertex:

\[ t = -\frac{b}{2a} \]

In the given equation \( h = -16t^2 + 32t + 7 \), we can identify:

  • \( a = -16 \)
  • \( b = 32 \)

Now, plug these values into the vertex formula:

\[ t = -\frac{32}{2(-16)} = -\frac{32}{-32} = 1 \]

So, it takes 1 second for the ball to reach the maximum height.

Next, to find the maximum height, substitute \( t = 1 \) back into the height equation:

\[ h = -16(1)^2 + 32(1) + 7 \] \[ h = -16(1) + 32 + 7 \] \[ h = -16 + 32 + 7 \] \[ h = 16 + 7 \] \[ h = 23 \]

Thus, the maximum height of the ball is 23 feet.

Summary:

  • It takes 1 second for the ball to reach the maximum height.
  • The maximum height of the ball is 23 feet.