How do you write a formula to model the height of the jumper's center of gravity as a function of time if a high jumper jumps off from the ground with an initial speed of 16ft/sec and at an angle of 60deg. His center of gravity is 3.5ft above the ground.

Question

anonymous · Answer

I think that it should be h(t)=-16t^2+(16 sin 60)t+3.5, but it is wrong on my calculator...

anonymous · Answer

looks fine to me.

anonymous · Answer

but in one second it can't be -17.38 and that is what the equation says it should be.

anonymous · Answer

obviously he lands before a second elapses.

anonymous · Answer

actually he lands in 1.1 seconds   (h=0)  so, not sure what you're plotting...

anonymous · Answer

but how could he be negative feet in one second if he lands in 1.1sec?

anonymous · Answer

http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=-16t%5E2%2B%2816+sin+60%29t%2B3.5&dataset=&asynchronous=false&equal=Submit

anonymous · Answer

probably have your calc. in radians or something..

anonymous · Answer

ok, thanks

anonymous · Answer

does he reach the max height in .152sec?