Question

The pilot of a helicopter plans to release a bucket of water on a forest fire. The height y in feet of the water t seconds after its release is modeled by y = -16t2 - 2t + 400. The horizontal distance x in feet between the water and its point of release is modeled by x = 91t. To the nearest foot, at what horizontal distance from the target should the pilot begin releasing the water? ____ ft Use a number only.

Answer 1

The time when the bucket hits the ground can be solved by the equation
-16t^2 - 2t + 400 = 0
t = 4.9
Thus the horizontal distance is x = 91t = 91 (4.9) = 445.9 ft