A model rocket is launched from a roof into a large field. The path of the rocket can be modeled by the equation y = -0.04x^2+5.8x+4.9, where x is the horizontal distance, in meters, from the starting point on the roof and y is the height, in meters, of the rocket above the ground. How far horizontally from its starting point will the rocket land?

Question

Also not trying to be pushy but this is due tonight and no one in my family seems to know how to help me because they don't understand algebra, so can someone help me please?

Answer 1

Horizontal distance = x
Vertical height = y
x is desired; therefore, y is neglected, meaning that you should set y = 0

Given: y = -0.02(x)^2 + 2.3(x) + 6
Setting y = 0
0 = -0.02(x)^2 + 2.3(x) + 6 <-----------> ax^2 + bx + constant = 0
Note: a = -0.02, b = 2.3, c = 6

Use the quadratic formula:
x = -(b) ± [(b)^2 - 4(a)(c)] ^(1/2) ... all over 2(a)
x = -(2.3) ± [(2.3)^2 - 4(-0.02)(6)]^(1/2)... all over 2(-0.02)
x = [-2.3 ± √5.77] / -0.04

You get one value of x when you add the square route of 5.77:
x = -2.5521 meters approx.

You get another value of x when you subtract the square route of 5.77:
x = 117.55 meters approx.

And we can neglect the negative value of x since we are talking about real-world progression.
so... x = 117.55 meters

Check your work:
0 ?=? -0.02(117.55)^2 + 2.3(1117.55) + 6
0 = 0.00495

Answer 2

Set y = 0 because that is when the rocket hits the ground. The x will be the horizontal difference.
Solve by using the quadratic equation. a= -0.04 b=5.8 c =4.9

x = -b +/- sq rt of(b^2 - 4ac) all of this is divided by 2a.

You will want the positive answer.

Answer 3

You want to know what x, defined as the horizontal distance, is when the height is zero.
That is, when it returns to the height of its starting point, which would be 4.5 metres.

4.5 = -0.04x^2+5.8x+4.9
0.04x^2 - 5.8x - 0.4 = 0

using the quadratic formula:
x = (5.8 ± √(33.64 - 4(.04)(-0.4)) / .08
= ...
I will let you do the button-pushing
You will get 2 answers, obvious you would reject the negative value of x
Let me know what you get.

Answer 4

This question is multiple choice:

a. 146.12 m
b. 291.68 m
c. 145.84 m
d. 0.84 m

Answer 5

Also I need to let you guys know I don't know how to solve a quadratic formula problem, which is why I asked for help

Answer 6

I have a copy error, I don't know why I copied 4.9 as 4.5, so my equation should have
been
4.9 = -0.04x^2+5.8x+4.9
this makes it even easier:
.04x^2 - 5.8x = 0
x(.04x - 5.8) = 0
x = 0 or x = 5.8/.04 = .... , not one of your answers

I bet they did:
0 = 4.9 = -0.04x^2+5.8x+4.9
.04x^2 - 5.8x - 4.9 = 0
then x = 145.84 , which is one of their answers, but should not be according to the wording

Answer 7

This question requires that you know how to work the quadratic equation formula.
I don't understand why you would be doing these questions without knowing that topic.

Answer 8

Sorry I'm late! For anyone seeing this question, the answer is A - 208.02 m !