Intermediate Algebra (6th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321785045
ISBN 13: 978-0-32178-504-6

Chapter 5 - Section 5.3 - Polynomials and Polynomial Functions - Exercise Set - Page 280: 84f

Answer

8 seconds

Work Step by Step

We are given that the height of the football above the Colorado River at any time t can be described by the polynomial function $P(t)=-16t^{2}+10t+910$. In order to find how long before the football lands in the river, we must find t such that $P(t)=0$. Plug in $t=7$. $P(7)=-16(7^{2})+10(7)+910=-16(49)+70+910=-784+70+910=196$ feet Plug in $t=8$. $P(8)=-16(8^{2})+10(8)+910=-16(64)+80+910=-1024+80+910=-34$ feet Since, $P(8)$ is closer to 0, we can assume that it takes approximately 8 seconds for the ball to land in the river.
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