SOLUTION: If a projectile is shot vertically into the air (from the ground) with an initial velocity of 176 feet per second, its distance y (in feet) above the ground t seconds after it is

Algebra ->  Equations -> SOLUTION: If a projectile is shot vertically into the air (from the ground) with an initial velocity of 176 feet per second, its distance y (in feet) above the ground t seconds after it is      Log On


   



Question 1058228: If a projectile is shot vertically into the air (from the ground) with an initial
velocity of 176 feet per second, its distance y (in feet) above the ground t
seconds after it is shot is given by y=176t+16t^2 (neglecting air resistance)
a. Find the time when y = 0 and interpret the results physically.
b. Find the times when the projectile is 16 feet off the ground. Compute answer
to two decimal places.

Answer by Boreal(15235) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
y=0. Note, the square term is always negative.
-16t^2+176t=0
-16t(t-11)=0
t=0, t=11
t=0 is the starting point; t=11 the end point, when it hits the ground.
When the projectile is 16 feet off the ground, -16t^2+176t=16
-16t^2+176t-16=0
factor out a -16
-16(t^2-11t+1)=0
t=(1/2)(11+/- sqrt (121-4); sqrt (117)=10.82
t=(1/2)(11+/- 10.82)
t=(1/2)(21.82) or (1/2)(0.18)
t=0.09 sec and 10.91 sec (note symmetry)
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graph%28300%2C300%2C-2%2C2%2C-20%2C500%2C-16x%5E2%2B176x-16%29