Math Problem Statement
A toy rocket is launched from the top of a building 141 feet tall at an initial velocity of 199 feet per second. a) Give the function that describes the height of the rocket in terms of time t. b) Determine the time at which the rocket reaches its maximum height, and the maximum height in feet. c) For what time interval will the rocket be more than 733 feet above ground level? d) After how many seconds will it hit the ground? Question content area bottom Part 1 a) The function that describes the height of the rocket in terms of t is s left parenthesis t right parenthesis equals negative 16 t squared plus 199 t plus 141 . Part 2 b) The rocket reaches its maximum height of 761.66 feet after approximately 6.22 seconds. (Round to the nearest hundredth as needed.)
Solution
Let’s work through the parts of this problem step-by-step.
Part 1: Function for height
The motion of the rocket is governed by the formula for height in projectile motion:
where:
- is the acceleration due to gravity (in feet/second²),
- ft/s is the initial velocity,
- ft is the initial height.
Thus, the function describing the height is:
Part 2: Time of maximum height and maximum height
The time at which the rocket reaches its maximum height occurs at the vertex of the parabola, which is calculated as: Here, and . Substituting:
To find the maximum height, substitute into :
Thus:
- Maximum height: 761.77 feet
- Time to reach max height: 6.22 seconds
Part 3: Time interval when the rocket is above 733 feet
To find when , solve: Simplify: Solve this quadratic equation using the quadratic formula: Here, , , . Substituting:
The rocket is above 733 feet between 4.95 seconds and 7.49 seconds.
Part 4: Time to hit the ground
The rocket hits the ground when : Using the quadratic formula: Substitute , , :
The rocket hits the ground after approximately 13.11 seconds.
Final Answers
a) Function:
b) Maximum height: feet at seconds
c) Above 733 feet between and seconds
d) Hits the ground at seconds
Would you like further details or assistance?
Here are 5 related questions to explore:
- How is the quadratic formula derived, and how does it apply to this problem?
- What is the significance of gravity () in the function?
- How would the problem change with a different initial velocity?
- What if the building height were doubled—how would it affect the results?
- Can you graph to visualize the rocket's motion?
Tip: When solving quadratic equations, always check if factoring or completing the square is simpler than using the quadratic formula.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Quadratic Functions
Projectile Motion
Vertex of a Parabola
Formulas
Height function: s(t) = -16t^2 + v₀t + h₀
Vertex formula: t = -b / (2a)
Quadratic equation formula: t = [-b ± √(b² - 4ac)] / (2a)
Theorems
Properties of Quadratic Functions
Quadratic Formula
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 9-12
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