Final answer:
The equation h = 80t - 16t^2 represents the height reached by an object propelled straight up from the ground at a speed of 80ft/s. By calculating the discriminant using the given formula, we find that it is positive, indicating that the object will reach a height of 90ft.
Step-by-step explanation:
The equation h = 80t - 16t^2 represents the height reached by an object propelled straight up from the ground at a speed of 80ft/s, where h is the height in feet and t is the time in seconds.
To determine if the object will reach a height of 90ft, we can use the discriminant. The discriminant is given by the formula Δ = b^2 - 4ac, where a = -16, b = 80, and c = 0.
Substituting the values into the discriminant formula, we have Δ = (80)^2 - 4(-16)(0). Simplifying, we find that Δ = 6400. Since the discriminant is positive, the object will reach a height of 90ft.