Question

A rubber ball is thrown 16m into the air. The ball falls, rebounds to half its previous

height and falls again. If the ball continues to rebound and fall in this manner, find
the total distance the ball travels until it hits the ground for the sixth time.

Answer 1

Solution given:

For first time:

ball goes 16 m up and 16 m down = 32 m

The second time and each time after, half of the previous distance

since it is in a GP with the first 6 terms:

32, 16, 8, 4, 2, 1

now

Sum of the distances:32 + 16 + 8 +4+2+1= 63 m

63 m is your answer.

Answer 2

• 63 m

Explanation:

The first time:

• 16 m up and 16 m down = 32 m

The second time and each time after, half of the previous distance

This is a GP with the first 6 terms:

• 32, 16, 8, 4, 2, 1

Sum of the distances:

• 32 + 16 + 8 + 4 + 2 + 1 = 63 m