A model rocket was launched from the top of a building. The rocket's approximate height can be modeled by the quadratic equation h = - 4.9t2 + 53.9t + 127.4, where h is the rocket's height, in meters, after t seconds. When factored, this equation is h = - 4.9 (t - 13) (t + 2). What is a reasonable time for it to take the rocket to land on the ground?

Question

Meredith Estes

Mathematics

9 November, 23:23

A model rocket was launched from the top of a building. The rocket's approximate height can be modeled by the quadratic equation h = - 4.9t2 + 53.9t + 127.4, where h is the rocket's height, in meters, after t seconds. When factored, this equation is h = - 4.9 (t - 13) (t + 2). What is a reasonable time for it to take the rocket to land on the ground?

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Answers (1)

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Jimmy Guzman · Answer 1

You are looking for the x-intercepts. Only one intercept will be valid because time must be positive!

0 = - 4.9 (t - 13) (t + 2)

0 = - 4.9, 0 = t - 13, 0 = t + 2

False, t = 13 t = - 2 (not valid)

Answer: 13 seconds