What We Know
Equation: h(t) = 96t - 16t²
- This equation will form a parabola
- The zeros of the parabola will indicate the start time and height (0,0) and the end time and height (x, 0)
- The maximum point will be the maximum height the ball will reach
- The maximum point will be the halfway point between the two zeros
Step-by-Step
h(t) = 96t - 16
Find the zeros of the given equation:
Factor out the greatest common factor (GCF)
h(t) = 8t (12 - 2t)
The two factors are:
0 = 8t
0 = 12 - 2t
For both factors, solve for t
8t = 0
8t/8 = 0/8
t = 0
12 - 2t = 0
-2t = -12
t = 6
Now we have the x-values (t) of our zeros:
t = 0
(0, 0)
t = 6
(6, 0)
The ball will land on the ground at 6 seconds
Recall that the maximum point of the graph is halfway between the two zeros:
6 + 0 = 6
6 ÷ 2 = 3
The ball will reach its maximum height in 3 seconds
To find this height, substitute t for 3 in the given equation, and solve for h:
t = 3
h(3) = 96(3) - 16(3)²
= 288 - 16(9)
= 288 - 144
= 144
The maximum height the ball will reach is 144 feet
***Refer to the graph below to check your answer: