(a) recall that the vertex occurs at t = -b/2a = 20/32 = 5/8
So, figure h(5/8)
(b) solve for t when h=0
(c) the point where he lands is a root of the function. h(t) = 0
Wile E. Coyote catapults himself off of a 500 ft. cliff with an initial velocity of 20 ft/sec.
His height t seconds after catapulting is given by the function h(t) = −16t2 + 20t + 500 .
(Note the y-intercept of (0, 500).
a. Find his maximum height (Hint: he reaches maximum height at the top of the parabola.)
b. Find how long it takes for Wile E. to land (unhurt, of course). (Hint: what’s his height
when he lands?)
c. What’s another (more general) name for the point on the graph where Wile E. lands?
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