Find the time it takes for the diver to reach the water if the platform is 49 feet high.

Question

The height of a diver during a dive can be modeled by h= -16 t^2 where h is height in feet relative to the diving platform and t is time in seconds. Find the time it takes for the diver to reach the water if the platform is 49 feet high. If someone could me understand that would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

When t=0, h=0

 

Since the water is 49 feet below, we want to know when h = -49 feet

 

-49 = -16t² 

 

Solve this for t to find the time.

 

49/16 = t²

 

+-7/4 = t

 

Use the positive answer as that is the only one that makes sense in the context of this problem.