A stunt man drops from the top of a 50 foot elevator shaft. His height above ground is determined by the equation h=-16(t)(t)+50. At the moment the stunt man begins to drop, an elevator goes up so that its height above ground is determined by the equation h=34t. After how many seconds will the stunt man land on top of the elevator.

Question

A stunt man drops from the top of a 50 foot elevator shaft.  His height above ground is determined by the equation h=-16(t)(t)+50.  At the moment the stunt man begins to drop, an elevator goes up so that its height above ground is determined by the equation h=34t.  After how many seconds will the stunt man land on top of the elevator.

I solved using the quadratic equation and obtained an answer of 3.125 seconds or t=-1...is this correct?  Thanks!

Steve · Answer

As I said at 6:42 pm, check your signs. I get -3.125 or +1 Naturally, the negative answer may be disregarded.