Math Problem Statement

The relationship between the time since a ball was thrown and its height can be modeled by the equation h = 32t - 16t^2 + 4, where h is the height of the ball after t seconds. Complete the square to find how long it will take the ball to reach a height of 20 ft.

Solution

Let's solve this step by step using completing the square.

Given equation:

h=32t16t2+4h = 32t - 16t^2 + 4 We need to find tt when h=20h = 20: 20=32t16t2+420 = 32t - 16t^2 + 4 Rearrange: 16t2+32t+420=0-16t^2 + 32t + 4 - 20 = 0 16t2+32t16=0-16t^2 + 32t - 16 = 0 Divide by 16-16 to simplify: t22t+1=0t^2 - 2t + 1 = 0

Completing the square:

(t1)2=0(t - 1)^2 = 0 Solving for tt: t1=0t=1t - 1 = 0 \Rightarrow t = 1

Thus, the ball reaches 20 ft at t=1t = 1 second.

Would you like a more detailed breakdown or an alternative solution?

Related Questions:

  1. How do you complete the square for any quadratic equation?
  2. What is the vertex form of the given quadratic equation?
  3. Can the ball reach 20 ft at any other time besides t=1t = 1?
  4. What is the maximum height reached by the ball?
  5. How do you find the time at which the ball reaches its maximum height?

Tip:

When solving quadratics by completing the square, always factor out the coefficient of t2t^2 before completing the square!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Quadratic Equations
Completing the Square
Algebra

Formulas

Quadratic equation: ax^2 + bx + c = 0
Completing the square: (t - h)^2 = k

Theorems

Completing the square method
Quadratic roots solving method

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11