Answer:
The maximum height the ball reaches is 64 feet
Explanation:
The given function is f(x) = -16·(x - 2)² + 64
From the equation, the path described by the ball is an inverted n-shaped parabola
The maximum height is therefore, the tip of the parabola
At the maximum height, the slope = 0 because the tip is momentarily flat
Since the slope (y₂ - y₁)/(x₂ - x₁) = The derivative Δy/Δx, we find the derivative of the function and equate it to zero to find the coordinates at the maximum height
Δy/Δx = dy/dx = d(-16·(x - 2)² + 64)/dx = -32·(x - 2) = -32·x + 64
To check if it is a maximum, we have;
d²y/dx² = d(-32·x + 64)/dx = -32 which is negative, indicating that the slope is reducing and we at the maximum point of the slope
Therefore for the maximum height Δy/Δx = dy/dx = -32·x + 64 = 0
64 = 32·x
x = 64/32 = 2 seconds
We now have the x-value at the slope, the f(x) value, is therefore;
f(2) = -16·(2 - 2)² + 64 = 64 feet
Therefore, the maximum height the ball reaches is 64 feet.