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, measured from a reference point, usually the ground.

Front

Back

The coefficient -16 represents the acceleration due to gravity in feet per second squared, affecting the object's vertical motion.

Front

How do 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 the term 'vertical velocity' mean in the context of projectile motion?

Back

Vertical velocity refers to the speed at which an object moves upward or downward at the moment of launch, measured in feet per second.

Front

What is the general form of a quadratic equation?

Back

Front

What does the discriminant of a quadratic equation tell us?

Back

Front

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

Back

Front

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

Back

The vertex represents the maximum height of the projectile and can be found using the formula for the time to reach maximum height.

Front

What is the role of the initial vertical velocity in projectile motion?

Back

The initial vertical velocity determines how high and how quickly the projectile ascends before gravity pulls it back down.