The formula provided, \( y = -16t^2 + 40 \), is a quadratic equation that models the height \( y \) of the egg protection contraption over time \( t \) (in seconds) after being dropped.
To interpret the height of the school's roof, we can evaluate the equation at \( t = 0 \) because at that moment (when the contraption is just dropped), the height \( y \) represents the height of the roof.
So, substituting \( t = 0 \) into the equation:
\[ y = -16(0)^2 + 40 \] \[ y = 0 + 40 \] \[ y = 40 \]
The height of the school’s roof is therefore 40 feet.
Thus, the correct interpretation is 40 feet.
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