Final answer:
The maximum height of the javelin is 68 feet, reached at 2 seconds after it is thrown. The time it takes for the javelin to hit the ground needs to be calculated by solving the quadratic equation 0 = -16t² +64t+4, yielding the positive value of t as the time of impact.
Step-by-step explanation:
The maximum height of a javelin can be found by completing the square or using the vertex formula for a parabola. Given the quadratic function y = -16t² +64t+4, the vertex occurs at t = -b/(2a), which represents the time at which the javelin reaches its maximum height. Substituting the values of a = -16 and b = 64 into the formula, we find that the time at the maximum height is t = -64/(2*(-16)) = 2 seconds. The maximum height is then found by substituting t = 2 back into the function, yielding y = -16(2)² + 64(2) + 4 = -16(4) + 128 + 4 = 64+4 = 68 feet.
To find the time it takes for the javelin to hit the ground, we need to solve for t when y = 0. Setting the quadratic equation to zero, we get 0 = -16t² +64t+4. This equation can be solved using the quadratic formula, factoring, or graphing. Using the quadratic formula, we find that t = (-b±√(b²-4ac))/(2a). Substituting a = -16, b = 64, and c = 4, we get t = (64±√(64²-4(-16)(4)))/(2(-16)). The positive solution of this equation will give us the time when the javelin hits the ground.
The correct calculations and substitutions will yield the desired time of flight, completing the problem.