Section 3.4: Using Quadratic Formula Story Problems

Front

What is the Quadratic Formula?

Back

Front

What does the term 'initial height' refer to in projectile motion problems?

Back

The initial height is the height from which an object is launched or thrown. It is the starting vertical position of the object at time t=0.

Front

How does the initial vertical velocity affect the height of a projectile?

Back

The initial vertical velocity determines how quickly the projectile rises. A higher initial velocity results in a greater maximum height.

Front

Back

The coefficient -16 represents the acceleration due to gravity (in feet per second squared) acting on the projectile, causing it to decelerate as it rises.

Front

How can you determine if a projectile reaches a certain height using its height equation?

Back

To determine if a projectile reaches a certain height, set the height equation equal to that height and solve for time t. If real solutions exist, the height is reached.

Front

What does it mean if a quadratic equation has two real solutions?

Back

If a quadratic equation has two real solutions, it means the projectile reaches the specified height at two different times.

Front

What is the vertex of a parabola in the context of projectile motion?

Back

The vertex of a parabola represents the maximum height of the projectile and the time at which it occurs.

Front

How do you find the time at which a projectile reaches its maximum height?

Back

Front

What is the role of the discriminant in the quadratic formula?

Back

Front

What does it mean if a projectile does not reach a specified height?

Back

If a projectile does not reach a specified height, it means that the height equation has no real solutions for that height.