SOLUTION: Solve using the five-step problem-solving process. Show all steps necessary to arrive at your solution. If an object is thrown upward with an initial velocity of 96 ft/sec, its

Algebra ->  Quadratic Equations and Parabolas  -> Quadratic Equations Lessons  -> Quadratic Equation Lesson -> SOLUTION: Solve using the five-step problem-solving process. Show all steps necessary to arrive at your solution. If an object is thrown upward with an initial velocity of 96 ft/sec, its      Log On


   

Question 283272: Solve using the five-step problem-solving process. Show all steps necessary to arrive at your solution.
If an object is thrown upward with an initial velocity of 96 ft/sec, its height after t sec is given by h=96t - 16t^2. Find the number of seconds before the object hits the ground.
Answer by Theo(13342) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Your equation is:

h = 96t - 16t^2

You want to solve this equation for when h = 0.

Your equation becomes:

-16t^2 + 96t = 0

Divide both sides of this equation by 16 to get:

-t^2 + 6t = 0

Factor out the t to get:

-t * (t-6) = 0

This equation will be true if -t = 0 or (t-6) = 0 or both are 0.

Solve for t and you get:

t = 0 or t = 6.

Graph your original equation of -16t^2 + 96t = 0 as shown below:

graph%28300%2C300%2C-10%2C10%2C-150%2C150%2C-16x%5E2+%2B+96x%29

Note that in order to graph this equation, you needed to substitute x for t so your equation becomes y = -16x^2 + 96x.