.
Such problem may come from Physics or from Calculus.
But I do not think that it came from Algebra.
Notice to the person who posted it: it would be good (benefited) for you
to point where this problem came from and what kind of the solution do you expect (do you want) to get
- if you do understand the meaning of my words.
Physics solution
If it is a free fall, then the speed as the function of time is
V(t) = g*t,
where "g" is the free fall acceleration, g = 9.81 m/s^2 = 32 ft/s^2.
Therefore, after 2 seconds of the free fall the speed of a falling object is
V = 9.81*2 = 19.62 m/s.
You can calculate it in ft/s on your own, if you want / (if you need).
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By the way, assuming free fall, the height of the fall is
H = 
= 
= 20 meters,
which is not very realistic for an apple tree.
20 meters is the height of an 5 - 7 floors living building.
