Answer:
9 seconds
Explanation:
The height of the rocket is given by the function h(t) = -16t² + 144t, where t represents the time in seconds after launch.
The rocket will hit the ground when its height is zero, so when h(t) = 0.
Set the function h(t) to zero:

Factor out the common term -16t:

Apply the Zero Product Property by setting each factor equal to zero and solving for t:


When t = 0, the rocket is launched.
Therefore, the rocket hits the ground at 9 seconds.