Find the time it takes for a ball to hit the ground

The video tutorial explains how to solve a problem involving a ball dropped from a 400-foot tower. The equation h(t) = -16t^2 + 400 represents the height of the ball over time, forming a downward parabola. The goal is to determine the time it takes for the ball to hit the ground by solving the quadratic equation. The instructor guides through the algebraic steps, emphasizing the importance of understanding square roots and simplifying calculations without a calculator. The solution reveals that the ball takes 5 seconds to reach the ground.

What is the equation that represents the height of the ball as a function of time?

Explain the significance of the negative sign in the quadratic equation for the ball's height.

How long does it take for the ball to hit the ground?

What is the initial height of the ball when time is zero?

What does the solution T = 5 seconds represent in the context of this problem?