http://imgur.com/qcxhg4b
In the figure the x-axis represents a straight shoreline. A spectator located at the point P(1.5, 0) observes a Coast Guard launch equipped with a search light execute a turn. The path of the launch is described by the parabola
y = −4.5x^2 + 9
(x and y are measured in hundreds of feet). Find the distance between the launch and the spectator at the instant of time the bow of the launch is pointed directly at the spectator. (Round your answer to the nearest foot.) NOTE: By the way, the launch is some sort of vehicle, not an event.

Question

http://imgur.com/qcxhg4b
In the figure the x-axis represents a straight shoreline. A spectator located at the point P(1.5, 0) observes a Coast Guard launch equipped with a search light execute a turn. The path of the launch is described by the parabola 
y = −4.5x^2 + 9
 (x and y are measured in hundreds of feet). Find the distance between the launch and the spectator at the instant of time the bow of the launch is pointed directly at the spectator. (Round your answer to the nearest foot.) NOTE: By the way, the launch is some sort of vehicle, not an event.