Question

A large explosion causes wood and metal debris to rise vertically into the air with an initial velocity of 96 feet per second. The quadratic function h(t)=96t−16t2 gives the height h (in feet) of the debris at time t (in seconds) after the explosion. How many seconds will it take before the debris falls back to the ground?

Answer 1

Answer: 6 seconds

Step-by-step explanation: factor

Answer 2

6 seconds

Explanation:

We have to find the t-intercepts of the function. To do so, let's set h(t) = 0.

0 = 96t - 16t²

0 = 16t(6 - t) -- Factor 96t - 16t²

16t = 0 or 6 - t = 0 -- Use Zero Product Property

t = 0 or t = 6 -- Solve for t

We're not looking for the solution t = 0 because that represents when the debris was launched. Therefore, the answer is 6 seconds.