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:
This is a quadratic equation in the form , where , , and . The graph of this equation is a parabola that opens downward since . 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 -coordinate of the vertex is:
Substituting the values of and :
Now that we have the time seconds at which the rocket reaches its maximum height, we substitute this value back into the original equation to find the maximum height :
Let's calculate this.The rocket reaches its maximum height at approximately seconds, and the maximum height is approximately feet.
Would you like further details or explanations on any part of this solution?
Here are 5 related questions:
- How does the value of affect the shape of the parabola?
- What would happen to the height equation if gravity were different?
- How would we find the time when the rocket returns to the ground?
- Can we determine the initial velocity of the rocket from the given equation?
- 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.
Ask a new question for Free
By Image
Drop file here or Click Here to upload
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
Related Recommendation
Finding the Maximum Height of a Rocket Using Quadratic Functions
Find Maximum Height of a Rocket Using a Quadratic Equation
Find the Maximum Height of a Rocket Using Quadratic Equation - Example y = −16x^2 + 121x + 135
Finding Maximum Height of a Rocket Using a Quadratic Equation
Finding Maximum Height of a Rocket Using Quadratic Equations