To find out how far the firework will travel before it reaches the ground, we need to solve the quadratic equation:
\[ 0 = -x^2 + 15x. \]
First, we can rearrange this equation:
\[ -x^2 + 15x = 0. \]
Next, we can factor out an \( x \):
\[ x(-x + 15) = 0. \]
Setting each factor equal to zero gives us:
- \( x = 0 \)
- \( -x + 15 = 0 \) which simplifies to \( x = 15 \).
The firework will reach the ground when \( x = 15 \) feet (after being shot into the air).
Therefore, the firework will travel 15 feet before it reaches the ground.
Answer: 15 feet