The function f(x) = –10(x)(x – 4) represents the approximate height of a projectile launched from the ground into the air as a function of time in seconds, x. How long, from launch to landing, does the projectile stay in the air?
0 seconds
1 second
2 seconds
4 seconds
1 answer
The projectile will stay in the air for 4 seconds, from launch to landing. This is because the function is a quadratic equation in the form f(x) = -10(x)(x-4), where x represents the time in seconds. The roots of the equation (when the height is 0) are x = 0 and x = 4, which means the projectile is in the air for 4 seconds before it lands back on the ground.
1 answer