Question

The path of a soccer ball can be modeled by the equation h(x)=−12x(x−20)
, where h(x) is the height of the ball, and x is the horizontal distance the ball has traveled. To determine how far the ball has traveled when it hits the ground, Leon set the height equal to 0 and obtained the equation: 0=−12x(x−20)
. How can he use the Zero Product Property to find the horizontal distance the ball has traveled when the height of the soccer ball equals 0?(1 point)

Cancel out the x and then multiply −12
and −20
.

He cannot use the Zero Product Property because the height will never be 0.

Solve the two equations: −12x=0
and x−20=0
.

Plug in 0 for all the x terms in the function.

Answer 1

Choose: Solve the two equations: −12x = 0 and x − 20 = 0.

By the Zero Product Property, set each factor equal to zero:
−12x = 0 → x = 0
x − 20 = 0 → x = 20

The ball is at ground level at x = 0 (kick point) and x = 20 (where it lands), so it travels 20 units horizontally before hitting the ground.