To determine how far the ball will have traveled when it hits the ground, we need to solve the equation:
\[ 0 = -130x(x - 61) \]
This equation is a product of two factors set equal to zero, so we can set each factor equal to zero:
- \( -130x = 0 \)
- \( x - 61 = 0 \)
From the first factor:
\[ -130x = 0 \] \[ x = 0 \]
From the second factor:
\[ x - 61 = 0 \] \[ x = 61 \]
Thus, the solutions to the equation are \( x = 0 \) and \( x = 61 \).
Since \( x = 0 \) represents the starting point of the kick, the ball will have traveled 61 yards before hitting the ground.
Therefore, the ball will have traveled 61 yards before hitting the ground.