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In your post, the equation for the height is written INCORRECTLY.
The correct form is h = -16t^2 + 256 feet.
Find time "t" from this quadratic equation
-16t^2 + 256 = 0 (level of the ground)
To solve, factor the equation
-16(t^2 - 16) = 0
to make its root clearly visible t^2 = 16, = - = 4, = = 4.
Of the two roots, only positive t = 4 works as the solution to the problem.
ANSWER. 4 seconds.
Solved.
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In this site, there is a bunch of lessons on a projectile thrown/shot/launched vertically up
- Introductory lesson on a projectile thrown-shot-launched vertically up
- Problem on a projectile moving vertically up and down
- Problem on an arrow shot vertically upward
- Problem on a ball thrown vertically up from the top of a tower
- Problem on a toy rocket launched vertically up from a tall platform
Consider these lessons as your textbook, handbook, tutorials and (free of charge) home teacher.
Read them attentively and learn how to solve this type of problems once and for all.
Also, you have this free of charge online textbook in ALGEBRA-I in this site
- ALGEBRA-I - YOUR ONLINE TEXTBOOK.
The referred lessons are the part of this textbook under the topic "Projectiles launched/thrown and moving vertically up and dawn".
Save the link to this online textbook together with its description
Free of charge online textbook in ALGEBRA-I
https://www.algebra.com/algebra/homework/quadratic/lessons/ALGEBRA-I-YOUR-ONLINE-TEXTBOOK.lesson
to your archive and use it when it is needed.