SOLUTION: The height of a projectile fired vertically into the air at an initial velocity of 160 feet per second is a function of time, x, and is given by the equation f(x) = 160x – 16x2

Algebra ->  Equations -> SOLUTION: The height of a projectile fired vertically into the air at an initial velocity of 160 feet per second is a function of time, x, and is given by the equation f(x) = 160x – 16x2       Log On


   

Question 263933: The height of a projectile fired vertically into the air at an initial velocity of 160 feet per second is a function of time, x, and is given by the equation
f(x) = 160x – 16x2
I need help finding the highest point reached by the projectile. I just have no idea how to work this equation in order to do this.
Your help would be greatly appreciated!

Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Hint: the highest point will be at the vertex of f%28x%29=160x-16x%5E2. The vertex is the point (h,k) where h=-b%2F%282a%29 and k=f%28h%29. From the equation f%28x%29=160x-16x%5E2, we can see that a=-16 and b=160. Plug these values into h=-b%2F%282a%29 to find h (the x coordinate of the vertex). Once you have this x value, plug it into f%28x%29=160x-16x%5E2 to find k (the y coordinate of the vertex).


It turns out that the highest point will be the y coordinate of the vertex. So once you find the y coordinate of the vertex, you will find the highest point.