Math Problem Statement

The height of a ball dropped from a 100-foot platform is represented by the function: h(t) = 100 - 16t?, where t is the time in seconds since the ball was dropped. Write a function that gives the time it will take the ball to reach a height of h.

Solution

The given function for the height of the ball is:

h(t)=10016t2h(t) = 100 - 16t^2

Here, tt represents the time in seconds, and h(t)h(t) is the height of the ball at time tt.

To find the time it will take for the ball to reach a specific height hh, we need to solve for tt in terms of hh. Let's rewrite the equation to express tt as a function of hh.

Step 1: Set up the equation for hh:

h=10016t2h = 100 - 16t^2

Step 2: Solve for t2t^2:

Subtract 100 from both sides:

h100=16t2h - 100 = -16t^2

Now, divide both sides by -16:

t2=100h16t^2 = \frac{100 - h}{16}

Step 3: Solve for tt:

Take the square root of both sides:

t=±100h16t = \pm \sqrt{\frac{100 - h}{16}}

Since time tt must be non-negative, we only take the positive root:

t=100h16t = \sqrt{\frac{100 - h}{16}}

Final Function:

The function that gives the time tt when the ball reaches a height hh is:

t(h)=100h16t(h) = \sqrt{\frac{100 - h}{16}}

Would you like further details or examples for how to use this function?

Here are 5 related questions to think about:

  1. How long will it take for the ball to reach a height of 50 feet?
  2. What is the maximum height the ball can reach after being dropped?
  3. At what time will the ball hit the ground (i.e., h=0h = 0)?
  4. What happens to the function if the ball is dropped from a different height?
  5. How would the equation change if gravity had a different constant?

Tip: When solving quadratic equations, always check if taking the square root introduces any positive-negative ambiguity in the solution!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Quadratic Equations
Kinematics

Formulas

h(t) = 100 - 16t²
t(h) = √((100 - h) / 16)

Theorems

Quadratic Formula

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-10