Michelle O.

asked • 05/18/16

Algebra word problem equation. Help please?

A cannonball is fired from the top of a cliff. The equation h =-16t^2+128t+144 is used to calculate the height h of the cannonball after t seconds. Calculate how long before the cannonball hits the ground (h=0).

Sahil P.

Michelle, I believe you are struggling with factoring equations.  This problem is very similar to the previous one I explained to you.  Please contact me through messages and I can help you with understanding this topic!
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05/18/16

Michelle O.

I don't want you to charge me though.
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05/18/16

Sahil P.

Well, what good does it do for you if tutors such as myself just solve the problem for you step by step?  Our job is to help you arrive at the answer and understand how to solve the problem step by step.  If I keep giving you the answers on here, you aren't benefiting yourself by fully understanding the material.  You are relying on someone else to handout the answers for free, which helps you get a good grade on your homework, but when the test comes around, you still won't be able to answer the questions on your own. 
 
I suggest you rethink working with a tutor. I could easily teach you how to solve all these problems!  Good luck!
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05/18/16

Mark M.

This is a free board. Students may request assistance at any level. If you are unwilling to provide that assistance gratis, post on a different forum. 
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05/18/16

Sahil P.

Mark, 
 
I have and will continue to provide assistance gratis to students who truly need help.  However, I do not see a need to simply giveaway the answer as you have done without any explanation.  I provided an explanation the first time but when the next question involves the exact same concept as the one before and the student is simply seeking to copy the work rather than understand the fundamentals and ask questions about the concept the first time around, I do not feel that it is to the benefit of the student for me to continue to provide answers for free so they can copy and paste it into their assignment.  
 
I suggest you post on a different forum if you truly believe that a tutor's role on this forum is to provide answers to student's problems free of charge. From what you have posted below, with minimal explanation of the concepts, I can see that that is truly what you believe. So it appears you are in the wrong place good sir. :)
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05/18/16

Mark M.

With 200+ hours of tutoring through WyzAnt I assume at least a minimal understanding as to the methods of tutoring. (This is in addition to 40+ years in the classroom.)
First, this is not a tutoring site. It is, as stated on the navigation bar, "answers."
Second, you state the student is "struggling with factoring equations." Rather than provide any elucidation you offer for pay assistance.
Third, by what means you do you determine that my explanation, perhaps minimal in your estimation, is not adequate for the students needs.
Fourth, my explanation was on the topic you suggest, solving equations by factoring.
Fifth, what students do with my answers is not my moral responsibility. 
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05/18/16

David W.

Here are WyzAnt's responses to selected questions from me:

1.       Occasionally, a student will post multiple questions (perhaps, “wanting someone to do their homework for them”).  Can frequency of requests be limited?

Students are permitted to ask as many questions as they would like.  Our Content Review Team does monitor activity on the page and will remove a question if it seems to be a case of academic dishonesty. 
 
. . .

  3.       Several requests and answers would benefit greatly from the ability to include simple graphics (drawings), especially math graphs (as pictures).

The answers page is designed to be an avenue for students and tutors to connect, hopefully leading to lessons.  If you come across  a question that would benefit from such tools, feel free to inform the student you'd be better able to assist with an online lesson.  You would then have access to a shared whiteboard and be able to pass documents, images, etc... 
 
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05/18/16

1 Expert Answer

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Mark M. answered • 05/18/16

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Mathematics Teacher - NCLB Highly Qualified

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h(t) = -16t2 + 128t + 144
0 = -16t2 + 128t + 144               h = 0
0 = -16(t2 - 8t - 9)                       GCF
0 = t2 - 8t - 9                               divide both sides by -16
0 = (t - 9)(t + 1)                          FOIL
 
{-1, 9}
 
The ball reaches the ground after nine seconds.
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