Question

If an average-sized man with a parachute jumps from an airplane, he will fall

12.5(0.2t − 1) + 21t feet
in t seconds. How long will it take him to fall 150 feet? (Round your answer to two decimal places.)

Answer 1

It will take him 5.85 seconds.

Explanation:

12.5 (0.2t - 1) + 21t = 150

Use Distributive Property:

2.5t - 12.5 + 21t = 150

Combine like terms:

23.5t - 12.5 = 150

Subtract 12.5 from both sides:

23.5t = 137.5

Divide both sides by 23.5 to isolate variable t:

5.851063.....

Round to two decimal places (hundredths place):

5.85