Characteristics of Quadratics

Question

Francesca and ava’s rocket follows a flight pattern approximately modeled by the equation h(t)=-t^2+10t+4 where h(t) is their rocket’s height in meters t seconds after launch. How many seconds was their rocket in the air?

Answer 1

When the rocket is on the ground, its height is zero; that is h(t) = 0:

h(t) = -t² + 10t + 4

0 = -t² + 10t + 4

Solve using the Quadratic Formula. Use your calculator to help. You'll get two answers, one positive and one negative. Since we can't go back in time, the positive answer is the correct one. The units are seconds.