SOLUTION: Explain how a quadratic function models a free­ fall ride. Be sure to include a graph showing the height at any given time of a free­ fall ride that lifts riders to a height of 185

Algebra ->  Quadratic Equations and Parabolas -> SOLUTION: Explain how a quadratic function models a free­ fall ride. Be sure to include a graph showing the height at any given time of a free­ fall ride that lifts riders to a height of 185      Log On


   

Question 1029500: Explain how a quadratic function models a free­ fall ride. Be sure to include a graph showing the height at any given time of a free­ fall ride that lifts riders to a height of 185 feet, and explain how to use this graph to estimate how long the riders would be in free­ fall if the ride were allowed to hit the ground before stopping.
Answer by josmiceli(19441) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Using feet and seconds, the function would look like:
+h%28t%29+=+-16t%5E2+%2B+185+
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The 1st term tells you what the effect of gravity is
when the ride is released at the top, which is when
+t+=+0+ and +h%280%29+=+185+
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The ride is at the bottom when +h%28t%29+=+0+
and you find what +t+ is at +h%28t%29+=+0+
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Here's the plot:
+graph%28+400%2C+400%2C+-2%2C+5%2C+-20%2C+250%2C+-16x%5E2+%2B+185+%29+
It looks like the riders hit the ground ( very hard )
at a little less than +t+=+3.5+ sec