Math Problem Statement

A projectile is fired from a cliff 190190 feet above the water at an inclination of​ 45° to the​ horizontal, with a muzzle velocity of 50 feet per second. The height h of the projectile above the water is given by h(x)=−32x^2/ (50)^2+x+190 ​(a) At what horizontal distance from the face of the cliff is the height of the projectile a​ maximum?

Solution

To solve this problem, we need to find the horizontal distance xx at which the height of the projectile is maximum.

Given the equation for the height of the projectile: h(x)=32x2502+x+190h(x) = -\frac{32x^2}{50^2} + x + 190 we recognize that this is a quadratic function of the form h(x)=ax2+bx+ch(x) = ax^2 + bx + c, where:

  • a=32502a = -\frac{32}{50^2},
  • b=1b = 1,
  • c=190c = 190.

For a quadratic equation of the form h(x)=ax2+bx+ch(x) = ax^2 + bx + c, the maximum (or minimum) value occurs at the vertex. The xx-coordinate of the vertex is given by the formula: x=b2ax = \frac{-b}{2a}

Step 1: Compute the coefficients

  • a=32502=322500a = -\frac{32}{50^2} = -\frac{32}{2500}
  • b=1b = 1

Step 2: Find the horizontal distance where the height is maximum

Substitute these values into the vertex formula: x=12×(322500)x = \frac{-1}{2 \times \left(-\frac{32}{2500}\right)} Let me calculate this.The horizontal distance from the face of the cliff at which the height of the projectile is maximum is x=39.0625x = 39.0625 feet.

Would you like more details on how to interpret this result or ask any further questions?

Here are some related questions to consider:

  1. What is the maximum height of the projectile?
  2. How far horizontally does the projectile travel before hitting the water?
  3. What is the time it takes for the projectile to reach its maximum height?
  4. How does changing the muzzle velocity affect the maximum height and horizontal distance?
  5. What would happen if the inclination angle was different from 45°?

Tip: The vertex of a quadratic function represents the point where the function reaches its maximum or minimum, depending on the sign of the leading coefficient.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Quadratic Functions
Vertex of a Parabola

Formulas

Quadratic equation h(x) = ax^2 + bx + c
Vertex formula: x = -b / (2a)

Theorems

Vertex Theorem of Quadratic Functions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12