Math Problem Statement

A rocket is launched from a tower. The height of the rocket, y in feet, is related to the time after launch, x in seconds, by the given equation. Using this equation, find the maximum height reached by the rocket, to the nearest tenth of a foot. y, equals, minus, 16, x, squared, plus, 186, x, plus, 75 y=−16x 2 +186x+75

Solution

The given equation for the height of the rocket is:

y=16x2+186x+75y = -16x^2 + 186x + 75

This is a quadratic equation in the form y=ax2+bx+cy = ax^2 + bx + c, where a=16a = -16, b=186b = 186, and c=75c = 75. The graph of this equation is a parabola that opens downward since a<0a < 0. To find the maximum height of the rocket, we need to determine the vertex of the parabola, which represents the maximum point.

The formula to find the xx-coordinate of the vertex is:

x=b2ax = \frac{-b}{2a}

Substituting the values of aa and bb:

x=1862(16)=18632=5.8125x = \frac{-186}{2(-16)} = \frac{-186}{-32} = 5.8125

Now that we have the time x=5.8125x = 5.8125 seconds at which the rocket reaches its maximum height, we substitute this value back into the original equation to find the maximum height yy:

y=16(5.8125)2+186(5.8125)+75y = -16(5.8125)^2 + 186(5.8125) + 75

Let's calculate this.The rocket reaches its maximum height at approximately 5.85.8 seconds, and the maximum height is approximately 615.6615.6 feet.

Would you like further details or explanations on any part of this solution?

Here are 5 related questions:

  1. How does the value of aa affect the shape of the parabola?
  2. What would happen to the height equation if gravity were different?
  3. How would we find the time when the rocket returns to the ground?
  4. Can we determine the initial velocity of the rocket from the given equation?
  5. How does the height change after the rocket reaches its maximum?

Tip: The vertex of a parabola provides key information, such as the maximum or minimum value of the function.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Quadratic Equations
Vertex of a Parabola

Formulas

y = ax^2 + bx + c
x = -b / 2a

Theorems

Vertex Formula for Quadratic Functions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-10