Question

A golfer attempts to hit a golf ball over a valley from a platform above the groun

The functions that models the height of the ball is h(t) = -5t2 + 40t + 100
where h(t) is the height in metres at time t seconds after contact. There are
power lines 185 metres above the ground. Will the golf ball hit power lines?

Answer 1

Answer: NO

Explanation:

The functions that models the height of the ball is given as

h(t) = -5t2 + 40t + 100

Where

a = -5, b = 40, c = 100

The time the ball will reach the maximum height will be the vertex of the parabola. At the line of symmetry, the time t will be:

t = -b/2a

Substitute b and a into the formula above.

t = - 40 / -5 = 8

Substitute 8 for t in the function f(t)

h(t) = - 5(8)^2 + 40(8) + 100

h(t) = -5(64) + 40(8) + 100

Open the bracket

h(t) = -320 + 320 + 100

h(t) = 100

The maximum height of the ball is 100m

Given that the power lines is 185 metres above the ground. The golf ball will therefore not hit power lines because the maximum height the ball can go is 100 metres