Question

The function y = -16t+^2 40 represents the height y (in feet) of a water droplet t seconds after falling from an icicle. After how many seconds does the water droplet hit the ground? Round your answer to two decimal places. ​

Answer 1

The water droplet will hit the ground 1.58 seconds after it started falling.

Explanation:

The function:

y = -16*t^2 + 40

represents the height of a water droplet t seconds after falling from an icicle.

We want to find the value of t such that the water droplet hits the ground, and this will happen when y = 0.

Then we only need to solve the equation:

0 = y = -16*t^2 + 40

0 = -16*t^2 + 40

16*t^2 = 40

t^2 = 40/16

t = √(40/16) = 1.58

The water droplet will hit the ground 1.58 seconds after it started falling.