SOLUTION: I need help with this problem: Determine the parameter k so that the quadratic equation k x^2-16x+16=0 had exactly one real solution. A world problem is related to this probl

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Question 454646: I need help with this problem:
Determine the parameter k so that the quadratic equation k x^2-16x+16=0 had exactly one real solution.
A world problem is related to this problem too: An object is tossed into the air with an upward velocity of 22 feet per second from the top of a 10-foot wall. Its flight is governed by h(t)=16t^2-22t-10=0. What is the time for the object to reach the highest point, and what is the altitude of this highest point?


Thank you very much.

Answer by htmentor(1343) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Determine the parameter k so that the quadratic equation k x^2-16x+16=0 had exactly one real solution.
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From the quadratic formula the zeros are:
%28-b+%2B-+sqrt%28b%5E2-4ac%29%29%2F2a
In order for there to be only one real zero, the discriminant
b%5E2-4ac must equal zero.
In this case, a = k, so we have
16^2 - 4*k*16 = 0
16 = 4k
This gives k = 4
As a check, we plot the graph, and confirm that the vertex lies on the x-axis:
graph%28300%2C300%2C-6%2C6%2C-20%2C20%2C4x%5E2-16x%2B16%29