Modeling Parabolic Motion With h=-16t^2+v⁰t+h⁰

Question

Write a mathematical Model for an object that is thrown upwards thrown upwards from an initial height of 12feet with an initial velocity of 18 feet per second.

Answer 1

We know that what the initial height and initial velocity are. They are:

h₀ = 12 ft

v₀ = 18 ft/s

Because we have our general equation:

h = -16t² + v₀t + h₀

We can simply substitute for v₀ and h₀, giving us our mathematical model:

h = -16t² + 18t + 12

*Note: velocity is a vector and therefore, you must take into account the DIRECTION the object was thrown. The question stated that the object was thrown UPWARDS (by convention, up is defined as being the positive direction). Thus, our velocity is POSITIVE 18 ft/s. Make sure to always take into account direction with velocity.*