A rocket is launched from the top of a 55-foot cliff with an initial velocity of 138 ft/s.
a. Substitute the values into the vertical motion formula h = –16t2 + vt + c. Let h = 0.
b. Use the quadratic formula to find out how long the rocket will take to hit the ground after it is launched. Round to the nearest tenth of a second.

Answer Choices:
A. 0 = –16t2 + 55t + 138; 0.4 s
B. 0 = –16t2 + 55t + 138; 9 s
C. 0 = –16t2 + 138t + 55; 0.4 s
D. 0 = –16t2 + 138t + 55; 9 s

Respuesta :

For this case we have that the equation that describes the height is:

[tex] h = -16t ^ 2 + vt + c
[/tex]

Where,

v: initial speed

c: initial height

Substituting values we have:

[tex] h = -16t ^ 2 + 138t + 55
[/tex]

Then, to find the time, we use the quadratic formula:

[tex] t =\frac{-b +/-\sqrt{b^2 - 4ac} }{2a} [/tex]

Substituting values we have:

[tex] t =\frac{-138 +/-\sqrt{138^2 - 4(-16)(55)} }{2(-16)} [/tex]

Rewriting:

[tex] t =\frac{-138 +/-\sqrt{19044 + 3520} }{-32} [/tex]

[tex] t =\frac{-138 +/-\sqrt{22564}}{-32} [/tex]

[tex] t =\frac{-138 +/-150.21}{-32} [/tex]

We discard the negative root because we want to find the time.

We have then:

[tex] t =\frac{-138 -150.21}{-32} [/tex]

[tex] t =\frac{-288.21}{-32}

t=9 [/tex]

Answer:

D. [tex] 0 = -16t^2 + 138t + 55; 9 s
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