A model rocket is launched from a roof into a large field. The path the rocket can be modeled by the equation y=-0.06x^2+9.6x+5.4 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?

Answer 1

To find the horizontal distance the rocket will land, we need to find the x-intercepts of the equation.

Setting y=0, we get:
0 = -0.06x^2 + 9.6x + 5.4

Solving for x by factoring or using the quadratic formula, we get:
x = 10m and x = 9m

Therefore, the rocket will land either 10 meters or 9 meters horizontally from its starting point.