Question

quadratic functions can be used to describe the rate at which an object will fall and predict when it will land or how high it may go. create a quadratic function using the function y=-16t^2 to help predict when an object will return to the grounf from being kicked, dropped, or thrown. in 3-5 sentences, describe the scenario in which you will use the function. write the complete function and explain the meaning of the variable t and the constant value

Answer 1

Let's consider a scenario where a soccer ball is kicked straight up into the air from a height of 5 feet. The height \( y \) of the soccer ball above the ground in feet after being kicked can be modeled by the quadratic function:

\[
y = -16t^2 + 5
\]

In this function, \( t \) represents the time in seconds after the ball is kicked. The constant value \( 5 \) indicates the initial height from which the ball is kicked. The term \(-16t^2\) reflects the effect of gravity on the ball, specifically how it accelerates downward at approximately 32 feet per second squared. To determine when the ball will return to the ground, we can set \( y \) to \( 0\) and solve for \( t \).