Question

When using a quadratic equation in the form y = ax2 + bx + c to model the height of a projectile (y) over time (x), which of the following is always represented by the constant term?
the initial height of the projectile
the initial velocity of the projectile
the time at which the projectile hits the ground
the maximum height of the projectile

Answer 1

The constant term c is the initial height.
Reason: y(0) = a·0^2 + b·0 + c = c. (The initial velocity is b, the hit time is a root, and the max height is the vertex value — none of which are always c.)