Distance, algebra

Question

The distance a body falls varies directly as the square of the time that it falls. If it falls 972 meters in 18 seconds, how fa will it fall in 2 seconds?

Answer 1

d= kt^2

972 = k(18^2)

k = 972/18^2

in 2 seconds it falls

d= kt^2= (972)(4/18^2) = 12 meters

Answer 2

Distance varies directly with the square of the time that it falls

So d = kt² where d is the distance, t is the time, and k is a constant of proportionality.

972 = k(18²)

972 = 324k and k therefore = 3

Then for 2 seconds of falling, d = 3(2²) = 12 meters.