Math Problem Statement

We are standing on the top of a 1536 feet tall building and launch a small object upward. The object's vertical position, measured in feet, after t seconds is h(t) = -16t^2 + 160t + 1536. What is the highest point that the object reaches?

Solution

To find the highest point that the object reaches, we need to determine the vertex of the quadratic function h(t)=16t2+160t+1536h(t) = -16t^2 + 160t + 1536. For a quadratic function in the form h(t)=at2+bt+ch(t) = at^2 + bt + c, the time at which the maximum height occurs is given by:

t=b2at = -\frac{b}{2a}

Here, a=16a = -16, b=160b = 160, and c=1536c = 1536.

Step 1: Find the time at which the maximum height occurs

t=1602(16)=16032=5 secondst = -\frac{160}{2(-16)} = \frac{160}{32} = 5 \text{ seconds}

Step 2: Calculate the height at t=5t = 5

Substitute t=5t = 5 into the equation for h(t)h(t):

h(5)=16(5)2+160(5)+1536h(5) = -16(5)^2 + 160(5) + 1536 h(5)=16(25)+800+1536h(5) = -16(25) + 800 + 1536 h(5)=400+800+1536h(5) = -400 + 800 + 1536 h(5)=1936 feeth(5) = 1936 \text{ feet}

Thus, the highest point that the object reaches is 1936 feet.

Would you like more details or have any questions?

Here are some related questions:

  1. How does changing the initial velocity affect the maximum height?
  2. What is the significance of the coefficient of t2t^2 in the equation for vertical motion?
  3. How long does it take for the object to hit the ground?
  4. How would the equation change if the building was shorter or taller?
  5. What would be the object's speed when it hits the ground?

Tip: The maximum or minimum of a quadratic function ax2+bx+cax^2 + bx + c occurs at x=b2ax = -\frac{b}{2a}, which can be used to find the vertex efficiently.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Quadratic Equations
Projectile Motion

Formulas

Vertex formula for quadratic function: t = -b/(2a)
Quadratic equation: h(t) = -16t^2 + 160t + 1536

Theorems

The vertex of a parabola occurs at t = -b/(2a)
The height of a projectile follows a parabolic path

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12