Final answer:
To model the height of the baton after a given time, we use the equation h(t) = -16t^2 + vt + h, where h(t) is the height of the baton, t is the time in seconds, v is the initial velocity, and h is the initial height. By plugging in the values, we can find the initial velocity of the baton.
Step-by-step explanation:
To model the height of the baton after t seconds, we can use the equation: h(t) = -16t^2 + vt + h, where h(t) is the height of the baton, t is the time in seconds, v is the initial velocity, and h is the initial height.
In this case, the initial height (h) is 144 feet, and the baton landed after 3 seconds. So, we have: h(3) = -16(3)2 + v(3) + 144 = 0.
By solving this equation, we can find the initial velocity (v) of the baton.