SOLUTION: Please help me solve this probem. I know the answer is after about 1.75 seconds, but I do not know the steps to get that answer. ...We are studying projectile motion. Maddie served

Only vertical component of the velocity is relevant to this problem.

The equation describing the height of the ball above the ground in this problem is

 = ,  or  (which is the same)

 = .     (1)

Here t is the time the volleyball is in the air, and  in the right side is the ground level.

Solve this quadratic equation for t, and choose an appropriate root.


Now a bit more explanation.
If the object is thrown vertically with the initial vertical velocity "v" from the initial height , its height h(t) is a quadratic function

h(t) = .    (2)

It will hit the ground when h(t) = 0.

Here "g" is the gravity acceleration, also known as "free fall acceleration"

The value for g is about 9.81  near the Earth surface.

Based on this info, the equations (1) and (2) above are written.

Now solve the quadratic equation (1) and get your answer.


What I explained to you, is part of Physics. 
In this compact form it is necessary information for solving this kind of problems in Algebra.

Figure. Plot h(t) =