-16t^2+20t+200=0
divide by -4
4t^2 - 5t - 50 = 0
This does not factor, so use the formula
t = (5 ± √825)/8
= 4.2 or a negative
but since t > 0
t = 4.2 seconds
A helicopter pilot drops a package when the helicopter is 200 ft. above the ground, rising at 20 ft/sec.
How long will it take for the package to hit the ground? What is the speed of the package at impact?
I know you set s(t) equal to zero, so -16(t^2)+20t+200=0, but factoring it out I get really obscure values for t. I'm wondering if there's another way to do it.
1 answer
2 answers