Math Problem Statement
NASA launches a rocket at t=0 seconds. Its height, in meters above sea-level, as a function of time is given by h(t) = -4.9^2 + 208t + 367 Assuming that the rocket will splash down into the ocean, at what time does splashdown occur? in seconds. How high above sea-level does the rocket get at its peak? in meters.
Solution
We are given the height function of the rocket as:
To solve this, we need to answer two questions:
1. Time of splashdown (when the rocket hits the ocean):
Splashdown occurs when the height is 0. To find the time of splashdown, we solve the equation:
This is a quadratic equation in the form , where , , and . We'll use the quadratic formula to find :
2. Height at the peak:
The peak of the rocket's flight occurs at the vertex of the parabola. For a quadratic equation , the time at which the peak occurs is given by:
At that time, we can substitute the value of into the height function to find the maximum height.
Let's solve both of these step by step.
Step 1: Time of splashdown (solving for ) and height at the peak.### Results:
- Splashdown time: The rocket splashes down into the ocean after approximately seconds.
- Maximum height: The rocket reaches its peak height at around meters above sea level.
Do you need further details or have any additional questions?
Here are 5 related questions to expand on this topic:
- How would the splashdown time change if the initial velocity were doubled?
- What is the significance of the coefficient in the height equation?
- Can you calculate the rocket's velocity at the time it reaches the peak?
- How would you determine the total distance traveled by the rocket during its flight?
- How would you modify the equation if the rocket started from an elevated platform?
Tip: In quadratic motion problems, the coefficient of the squared term represents the acceleration due to gravity, especially when dealing with heights in meters and time in seconds.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Quadratic Equations
Physics of Motion
Parabolas
Formulas
h(t) = -4.9t^2 + 208t + 367
Quadratic formula: t = [-b ± √(b² - 4ac)] / 2a
Vertex formula for peak: t_peak = -b / 2a
Theorems
Quadratic Formula
Vertex Theorem
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 9-12
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