Final answer:
To find the initial height of the ball, evaluate the position function at t=0. The equation simplifies to y = 36, which means the bridge is 36 feet above the ground.
Step-by-step explanation:
The height above the ground from which the ball is thrown, also known as the initial height of the ball when t=0, can be determined by examining the equation y = f(t) = -16t² + 50t + 36. To find this initial height (the height of the bridge), we simply evaluate the function at t=0. This gives us y = f(0) = -16(0)² + 50(0) + 36, which simplifies to y = 36 feet. Hence, the bridge is 36 feet above the ground.