Question

The altitude ( in feet ) attained by a model rocket t seconds into flight is given by the function: h(t) =- 1/3 t^3 + 4t^2 + 20t + 2, for t equal and greater 2. a. Find the maximum altitude attained by the rocket. Please, I need help. Do I need sketch the given graph ???

Answer 1

If you are familiar with calculus, then you would use derivatives to solve this

If you are not familiar with calculus, then you would have to use a graphing calculator to solve

Answer 2

for your graphing calculator a good window is

xmin = -4
xmax = 22
ymin = -340
ymax = 340

Answer 3

okay......you help me a lot.

Answer 4

after graphing, and possibly changing the window, you'll see this graph (see attached image)

Answer 5

Wow....that exactly the given graph shown in my paper question. LOL

Answer 6

that's good, glad they're both on the same page

Answer 7

to find the max, you would use your graphing calculators "max" function (or something like that)

Answer 8

Why does it not make sense to use this function after t = 16 seconds ???

Answer 9

what is the height after t = 16

Answer 10

eg: what's the height when t = 17?

Answer 11

undefined ????? lol

Answer 12

it's not undefined, notice how the red curve dips below the x axis right around t = 16

Answer 13

Yes

Answer 14

so the height is negative

Answer 15

but you can't have a negative height (well you could be below a certain marker, but usually a negative height makes no sense)

Answer 16

OMG........you right !!!

Answer 17

Now I can answer letter b question. Thank you Jim !!!

Answer 18

yw