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 -4.9t^2+199t+101

Assuming that the rocket will splash down into the ocean, at what time does splashdown occur?

The rocket splashes down after seconds.

How high above sea-level does the rocket get at its peak?

The rocket peaks at meters above sea-level.

Solution

Let's break down the problem step-by-step.

1. Finding the Splashdown Time

The rocket will splash down when its height h(t)h(t) is zero. The height of the rocket as a function of time tt is given by: h(t)=4.9t2+199t+101h(t) = -4.9t^2 + 199t + 101

To find the splashdown time, we need to solve the equation h(t)=0h(t) = 0: 4.9t2+199t+101=0-4.9t^2 + 199t + 101 = 0

This is a quadratic equation of the form at2+bt+c=0at^2 + bt + c = 0. We can use the quadratic formula: t=b±b24ac2at = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a} where a=4.9a = -4.9, b=199b = 199, and c=101c = 101.

Calculating the roots: t=199±19924(4.9)(101)2(4.9)t = \frac{-199 \pm \sqrt{199^2 - 4(-4.9)(101)}}{2(-4.9)}

Let's compute the values to find the splashdown time.

2. Finding the Maximum Height

The maximum height of the rocket is achieved at the vertex of the parabolic function h(t)h(t). The time at which the vertex occurs can be found using: t=b2at = \frac{-b}{2a}

For our equation, a=4.9a = -4.9 and b=199b = 199: t=1992(4.9)=1999.8t = \frac{-199}{2(-4.9)} = \frac{199}{9.8}

After finding this time, we can substitute it back into the height function h(t)h(t) to find the maximum height.

I'll now calculate both the splashdown time and the peak height.### Results:

  1. Splashdown Time: The rocket splashes down at approximately 41.1141.11 seconds.

  2. Maximum Height: The rocket reaches its peak height of approximately 2121.462121.46 meters above sea level.

Would you like further details or have any questions?

Follow-up Questions:

  1. How do you find the time of maximum height using calculus?
  2. What is the significance of the discriminant in the quadratic formula?
  3. How does the initial velocity affect the maximum height and splashdown time?
  4. What would happen if we changed the gravity constant in the equation?
  5. Can you graph the function to visually represent the rocket's flight?

Tip: To find the maximum or minimum of a quadratic function, use the vertex formula t=b2at = \frac{-b}{2a}.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Quadratic Functions
Vertex of a Parabola
Physics of Projectile Motion

Formulas

Quadratic equation: h(t) = -4.9t^2 + 199t + 101
Quadratic formula: t = (-b ± √(b^2 - 4ac)) / 2a
Vertex formula: t = -b / 2a

Theorems

Quadratic Formula
Vertex Theorem for Parabolas

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12