Math Problem Statement
If a ball is thrown vertically upward with an initial velocity of 160 ft/s, then its height after t seconds is
s = 160t − 16t2.
If a ball is thrown vertically upward with an initial velocity of 160 ft/s, then its height after t seconds is
s = 160t − 16t2(Consider up to be the positive direction.)
(a)
What is the maximum height (in ft) reached by the ball?
ft
(b)
What is the velocity (in ft/s) of the ball when it is 384 ft above the ground on its way up?
ft/s
What is the velocity (in ft/s) of the ball when it is 384 ft above the ground on its way down?
ft/s
Solution
To solve these problems, let's start by analyzing the given equation for the height of the ball after seconds:
Part (a): Maximum Height Reached by the Ball
The height will be maximized when the velocity is zero (since at the maximum height, the ball momentarily stops before descending).
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Calculate the derivative of :
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Set the velocity to zero and solve for :
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Calculate the maximum height by substituting back into the height equation:
Answer for (a): The maximum height reached by the ball is 400 ft.
Part (b): Velocity of the Ball at ft
To find the velocity when the ball is at 384 ft, we need to determine the time(s) at which ft.
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Set up the equation:
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Rewrite this as a standard quadratic equation:
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Solve this quadratic equation using the quadratic formula:
So, the two values of are:
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Calculate the velocity at and seconds:
Using :
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At seconds:
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At seconds:
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Answer for (b):
- The velocity when the ball is 384 ft above the ground on the way up is 32 ft/s.
- The velocity when the ball is 384 ft above the ground on the way down is -32 ft/s.
Would you like further details on any of these steps, or is there anything specific you would like to explore further?
- What is the initial velocity and how does it affect the ball's trajectory?
- How do we derive the time at which the maximum height is reached?
- Why does the velocity become zero at the highest point of the motion?
- What are the two types of motion phases in projectile problems like this one?
- Can we determine the total time the ball is in the air?
Tip: When analyzing vertical motion, remember that the acceleration due to gravity will always act downward, even if the initial velocity is upward.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Calculus
Quadratic Equations
Projectile Motion
Velocity and Acceleration
Formulas
s(t) = 160t - 16t^2 (height function)
v = ds/dt = 160 - 32t (velocity function)
Quadratic formula: t = (-b ± √(b² - 4ac)) / 2a
Theorems
Maximum value of a quadratic function
Derivative for finding velocity
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 11-12
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