A ball is dropped from a height of 12m. Each time it strikes the ground it bounces back to a height of 75% the distance from which it fell. Determine the total distance traveled by the ball before it comes to rest.

Question

raden · Answer

use this formula :
total distance = h0 * (b+a)/(b-a)

look at that 75/100 = 3/4
it mean b=4 and a=3
and given h0 = 12 m

now, u have
total distance = h0 * (b+a)/(b-a) = 12 * (4+3)/(4-3) = ...

anonymous · Answer

I think I have to use the inifinite sum series or something similar to that to solve this problem cause thats the chapter we're on :/

raden · Answer

hehe.. sorry, that's the shortcut formula :)
but that will works

anonymous · Answer

ah okay. would you happen to know the other way?

raden · Answer

|dw:1367904447501:dw|
total distance = 12 + 2(3/4*12 + 3/4*(3/4*12)+... so on)
actually, in bracket is the geometry series