SOLUTION: The path of a shell fired from ground levels is in the shape of the parabola y=4x-x^2, where x and y are given in kilometers. a. How high does the shell go? b. How far has the

Algebra ->  Quadratic-relations-and-conic-sections -> SOLUTION: The path of a shell fired from ground levels is in the shape of the parabola y=4x-x^2, where x and y are given in kilometers. a. How high does the shell go? b. How far has the       Log On


   

Question 613392: The path of a shell fired from ground levels is in the shape of the parabola y=4x-x^2, where x and y are given in kilometers.
a. How high does the shell go?
b. How far has the shell traveled horizontally when it reaches its maximum height?
c. How far from its firing point does the shell land?

So frustrating, I cannot understand this. Any help is appreciated, thank you!
Answer by ewatrrr(24785) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
 

Hi, 

Might recommend downloading the FREE graph software at

http://www.padowan.dk.com

Understand you are to find a-c algebraicly, however, there is nothing

like a picture  to bring understanding, my opinion.

 y = -x^2 + 4x    y = 0 whe x = 0 and x = 4 when y = 0  (x^2 = 4x, x = 4)

 y = -(x-2)^2 + 4  Vertex form Vertex (2,4)

a. How high does the shell go? 4km

 b. How far has the shell traveled horizontally when it reaches its maximum height? 2 km

 c. How far from its firing point does the shell land? 4km