SOLUTION: Help please. I have an assignment to find a real world situation where quadratic equations are used. I don't have trouble finding them, just the ones I do find I have no idea how t

Algebra ->  Quadratic Equations and Parabolas -> SOLUTION: Help please. I have an assignment to find a real world situation where quadratic equations are used. I don't have trouble finding them, just the ones I do find I have no idea how t      Log On


   

Question 395731: Help please. I have an assignment to find a real world situation where quadratic equations are used. I don't have trouble finding them, just the ones I do find I have no idea how to explain. I really appreciate any help!
Explore and find a real-world application of a quadratic equation, whether it is from the realm of physics, finance, or anything else. Write a paragraph about what you find. In your description,
* show the equation.
* explain what the variable represents in real terms.
* describe what the equation models in real terms.
Answer by richard1234(7193) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
There are quadratic equations used in elementary physics. For example, if you want to model the position of some particle under constant acceleration, use the equation

X+=+%281%2F2%29at%5E2+%2B+v%5B0%5Dt+%2B+x%5B0%5D where a is acceleration, t is time, v[0] is the original velocity, and x[0] is the original position. This equation is derived using a little calculus. If we integrate a constant acceleration to obtain velocity,

int%28a%2C+dt%29+=+at+%2B+v%5B0%5D

Integrating again,

int%28%28at+%2B+v%5B0%5D%29%2C+dt%29+=+%281%2F2%29at%5E2+%2B+v%5B0%5Dt+%2B+x%5B0%5D