Question

I NEED HELP...NOW I CANNOT GET THIS!
A cliff diver dives off a cliff 40 feet above water. Write an equation giving the diver's height H (in feet) above the water after t seconds. How long is the diver in the air?

Answer 1

\[ H(t) = -16t^2 + V_0 t + H_0\]

In your situation,
\[V_0 = 0\text{, and }H_0 = 40\]

You can use the quadratic equation to solve for t.
If t < 0 it doesn't make any sense in this situation so just throw it out and stick with the positive value(s).

Answer 2

1. h = 40 - 16t^2
0 = 40 - 16t^2
16t^2 = 40
t^2 = 5/2
t = √(5/2) ≈ 1.58 sec

Answer 3

where did you get -16 from?

Answer 4

that's the acceleration due to the earth's gravity (in ft/(sec^2))

Answer 5

THANKS!

Answer 6

you're welcome!