Consider the quadratic model h(t)=-16t^2+40t+50 for the height (in feet), h, of an object t seconds after the object has been projected straight up into the air. Find the maximum height attained by the object. How much time does it take to fall back to the ground? Assume it takes the same time for going up and coming down.

Question

anonymous · Answer

3.5 seconds, found by the quadratic formula.

anonymous · Answer

You can use the quadratice formula, but if you are not comfortable using it, an alternative is to find the vertex of the parabola by letting t=-b/2a where b=coefficent of the 't' term, and a=coefficient of the 't^2' term.  Then substitute that value into t to find h(t) and you have obtained your max value and the time it takes for the object to reach that value.