When the SuperBall® was introduced in the 1960’s, kids across the United States were amazed that these hard rubber balls could bounce to 90% of the height from which they were dropped.
a. Is this problem an example of a geometric series or an arithmetic series? Support your answer mathematically by applying the concepts from this unit.

b. If a SuperBall® is dropped from a height of 2m, how far does it travel by the time it hits the ground for the tenth time? (Hint: The ball goes down to the first bounce, then up and down thereafter.)

Question

When the SuperBall® was introduced in the 1960’s, kids across the United States were amazed that these hard rubber balls could bounce to 90% of the height from which they were dropped. 
a.	Is this problem an example of a geometric series or an arithmetic series? Support your answer mathematically by applying the concepts from this unit.

b.	If a SuperBall® is dropped from a height of 2m, how far does it travel by the time it hits the ground for the tenth time? (Hint: The ball goes down to the first bounce, then up and down thereafter.)

anonymous · Answer

a)  Geometric, since we are multiplying by 0.90

anonymous · Answer

Initial:  2m
First:   1.8 = 2(0.90)
Second: 1.62 = 2(0.90)(0.90)

anonymous · Answer

thanks :)