Question

Need help with formula: H(t) = -16^2 + vt + s
Jules kicks a soccer ball off the ground and into the air with an initial velocity of 25 feet per second. Assume the starting height of the ball is 0 feet. Approximately what maximum height does the soccer ball reach?

I know that v=25 and s=0
So now I have:
H(t) = -16^2 + 25t + s
But I have no idea how to find the maximum height.

(I've seen this question posted before and everyone said it needed more information, but this is all the question said)

Answer 1

Or maybe (H)t should equal zero because that's the starting height.

Answer 2

Yeah the only way I can think to solve this would be to have gravity play a role

because as it is written now...it will just go up and up and up...but there's nowhere gravity is asked for in the question.

Answer 3

These are the answers I have,
0.8 ft
1.6 ft
9.8 ft
19.6 ft
So if it would just keep going upward, the answer would be 19.6 feet?

Answer 4

Yeah I have no idea...even using physics kinematic equations to solve it it comes out to around 31 so I'm not sure...I'm gonna work on this though I'll keep you posted...but no dont assume it's the highest number you have

Answer 5

I would say ask your teacher

because H(t) = -16^2 + 25t + s

-16² would turn into a positive number and then it just adds 25 for each second. If gravity isn't a factor (which it isn't because I dont see where to plug it in) then there is no correct answer

Answer 6

19.6 turned out to be the right answer. Thanks for your help though because I would have just picked anything.

Answer 7

And how did you figure it out?

Answer 8

I picked 19.6 because it was the highest number. I know you said not to just go with the highest but I figured that was the only one that could have been right because the ball would have been going upward. It seemed like the most reasonable answer of them all.

Answer 9

Haha ahh okay....I guess good logic. Sorry I couldn't shed much more light on it for you :)

Answer 10

That's okay. It was a weird a question!