A hawk swoops down from its perch 30 feet in a tree to catch field mice. It follows the function h(t)=6t^2βˆ’24t+30

, where t
𝑑
is time in seconds and h
β„Ž
is height in feet.

Part A: Graph this function. Link to Desmos calculator

Part B: What is the initial height of the hawk? Write your answer as an ordered pair

Part C: At which point is the hawk at it's lowest height? Write your answer as an ordered pair

Part D: The hawk will be at it's lowest point at time seconds at a height of feet



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1 answer

Let’s break this down step by step.

Part A: Graphing the Function

You can graph the function \( h(t) = 6t^2 - 24t + 30 \) using a graphing calculator like Desmos. To do this, simply enter the function into the graphing interface.

Part B: Initial Height of the Hawk

The initial height of the hawk occurs when \( t = 0 \). To find this, substitute \( t = 0 \) into the function:

\[ h(0) = 6(0)^2 - 24(0) + 30 = 30 \]

Thus, the initial height in ordered pair form is:

\[ (0, 30) \]

Part C: Lowest Height of the Hawk

To find the lowest point of the parabola defined by the quadratic function, we can use the vertex formula. For a quadratic in the form \( ax^2 + bx + c \), the \( t \)-coordinate of the vertex is given by:

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

In this case, \( a = 6 \) and \( b = -24 \):

\[ t = -\frac{-24}{2 \cdot 6} = \frac{24}{12} = 2 \]

Now plug this value back into the function to find the height:

\[ h(2) = 6(2)^2 - 24(2) + 30 = 6(4) - 48 + 30 = 24 - 48 + 30 = 6 \]

Thus, the lowest height occurs at the ordered pair:

\[ (2, 6) \]

Part D: Final Statement

The hawk will be at its lowest point at time \( 2 \) seconds at a height of \( 6 \) feet.

Summary of Answers

  • Part B: Initial height: \((0, 30)\)
  • Part C: Lowest height: \((2, 6)\)
  • Part D: The hawk will be at its lowest point at time \( 2 \) seconds at a height of \( 6 \) feet.