Question about algebra

Question

A ball is dropped from a cliff that is 448 feet high. The distance S (in feet) above the ground after t seconds is given by the formula S=448-16t (16t to second power). How many seconds will it take for the ball to hit the ground?

Answer 1

The ball hits the ground when S = 0.

 

0 = 448 - 16t²

16t² = 448

t² = 28

t = ±√28

t ≈ ±5.291

 

The ball reaches the ground in a little more than 5 seconds.