Question

During a water balloon fight, Louisa uses a slingshot to fire a water balloon over the fortified wall of the opponent. When fired from the slingshot, the balloon will follow the path h(x)=−x^(2)+12x , where h(x) is the height of the balloon in feet, and x is the horizontal distance it will travel. To determine how far the balloon will travel before it reaches the ground, Louisa sets the height equal to zero and solves the quadratic equation 0=−x^(2)+12x . How far will the balloon travel before it reaches the ground?(1 point)
The balloon will travel [?] feet before it reaches the ground.

Answer 1

0 = -x^2 + 12x
x(−x + 12) = 0 ⇒ x = 0 or x = 12.

The balloon lands at x = 12, so it travels 12 feet.