Math Problem Statement

A rocket is launched in the air. The graph below shows the height of the rocket h in feet after t seconds. How many seconds have gone by when the rocket is at its highest point?

Solution

The graph shows the height of the rocket hh (in feet) as a function of time tt (in seconds). From the image, we can observe that the highest point on the graph corresponds to the coordinates (16,4096)(16, 4096), where the rocket reaches its maximum height of 4096 feet after 16 seconds.

Thus, 16 seconds have gone by when the rocket is at its highest point.

Would you like more details on how this type of problem is solved or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions to expand your understanding:

  1. How do we determine the time of maximum height in a general quadratic function?
  2. What role does the vertex of a parabola play in projectile motion problems?
  3. How would you model this rocket's motion using a quadratic equation?
  4. What is the significance of the roots (32, 0) and (0, 0) in this context?
  5. How can we use calculus to find the maximum height of a projectile?

Tip: In projectile motion, the highest point is always located at the vertex of the parabola.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Quadratic Functions
Projectile Motion

Formulas

Quadratic equation for projectile motion: h(t) = -at^2 + bt + c
Vertex form of a parabola: t = -b/2a

Theorems

Maximum height occurs at the vertex of the parabola

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10