Understanding the Initial Height

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 5 views

Introduction

The expression $-4.9 s^2 + 50 s + 2$ represents the height, in meters, of a toy rocket $s$ seconds after launch. This expression is a quadratic equation, which can be used to model the height of the rocket at any given time. In this article, we will explore the initial height of the rocket and the time at which the rocket reaches its maximum height.

Understanding the Initial Height

The initial height of the rocket is the height at which the rocket is launched, which is the value of the expression when $s = 0$ . To find the initial height, we can substitute $s = 0$ into the expression:

-4.9 (0)^2 + 50 (0) + 2 = 2

Therefore, the initial height of the rocket is 2 meters.

Understanding the Time of Maximum Height

The time at which the rocket reaches its maximum height is the value of $s$ when the expression reaches its maximum value. To find this value, we can use the fact that the maximum value of a quadratic expression occurs at the vertex of the parabola. The vertex of the parabola can be found using the formula:

s = -\frac{b}{2a}

where $a$ and $b$ are the coefficients of the quadratic expression. In this case, $a = -4.9$ and $b = 50$ , so:

s = -\frac{50}{2(-4.9)} = \frac{50}{9.8} = 5.1

Therefore, the rocket reaches its maximum height 5.1 seconds after launch.

The Significance of the Initial Height and Time of Maximum Height

The initial height of the rocket is an important factor in determining the maximum height reached by the rocket. A higher initial height means that the rocket will reach a higher maximum height. The time at which the rocket reaches its maximum height is also important, as it determines the duration of the rocket's flight.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the expression $-4.9 s^2 + 50 s + 2$ represents the height, in meters, of a toy rocket $s$ seconds after launch. The initial height of the rocket is 2 meters, and the rocket reaches its maximum height 5.1 seconds after launch. Understanding the initial height and time of maximum height is important in determining the maximum height reached by the rocket and the duration of its flight.

The Graph of the Rocket's Height

The graph of the rocket's height is a parabola that opens downward. The vertex of the parabola represents the maximum height reached by the rocket. The graph can be used to visualize the height of the rocket at any given time.

The Equation of the Parabola

The equation of the parabola is given by:

y = -4.9 s^2 + 50 s + 2

where $y$ is the height of the rocket and $s$ is the time in seconds.

The Vertex of the Parabola

The vertex of the parabola is given by:

s = -\frac{b}{2a} = -\frac{50}{2(-4.9)} = \frac{50}{9.8} = 5.1

Therefore, the vertex of the parabola is at $s = 5.1$ .

The Maximum Height

The maximum height reached by the rocket is given by:

y = -4.9 (5.1)^2 + 50 (5.1) + 2 = 52.1

Therefore, the maximum height reached by the rocket is 52.1 meters.

The Duration of the Flight

The duration of the flight is the time it takes for the rocket to reach its maximum height and return to the ground. The duration of the flight can be found by finding the time it takes for the rocket to reach its maximum height and then subtracting this time from the total time of flight.

The Total Time of Flight

The total time of flight is the time it takes for the rocket to reach its maximum height and return to the ground. The total time of flight can be found by finding the time it takes for the rocket to reach its maximum height and then adding this time to the time it takes for the rocket to return to the ground.

The Time it Takes for the Rocket to Return to the Ground

The time it takes for the rocket to return to the ground is the same as the time it takes for the rocket to reach its maximum height. This is because the rocket's height is a quadratic function of time, and the time it takes for the rocket to reach its maximum height is the same as the time it takes for the rocket to return to the ground.

The Duration of the Flight

The Total Time of Flight

The Time it Takes for the Rocket to Return to the Ground

The Duration of the Flight

The Total Time of Flight

The Time it Takes for the Rocket to Return to the Ground

The Duration of the Flight

The Total Time of Flight

The Time it Takes for the Rocket to Return to the Ground

The Duration of the Flight

The Total Time of Flight

The Time it Takes for the Rocket to Return to the Ground

The Duration of the Flight

Q&A: Understanding the Initial Height and Time of Maximum Height

Q: What is the initial height of the rocket?

A: The initial height of the rocket is 2 meters. This is the height at which the rocket is launched, and it is the value of the expression when $s = 0$ .

Q: How do you find the initial height of the rocket?

A: To find the initial height of the rocket, you can substitute $s = 0$ into the expression:

-4.9 (0)^2 + 50 (0) + 2 = 2

Q: What is the time at which the rocket reaches its maximum height?

A: The time at which the rocket reaches its maximum height is 5.1 seconds after launch. This is the value of $s$ when the expression reaches its maximum value.

Q: How do you find the time at which the rocket reaches its maximum height?

A: To find the time at which the rocket reaches its maximum height, you can use the fact that the maximum value of a quadratic expression occurs at the vertex of the parabola. The vertex of the parabola can be found using the formula:

s = -\frac{b}{2a}

where $a$ and $b$ are the coefficients of the quadratic expression. In this case, $a = -4.9$ and $b = 50$ , so:

s = -\frac{50}{2(-4.9)} = \frac{50}{9.8} = 5.1

Q: What is the significance of the initial height and time of maximum height?

A: The initial height of the rocket is an important factor in determining the maximum height reached by the rocket. A higher initial height means that the rocket will reach a higher maximum height. The time at which the rocket reaches its maximum height is also important, as it determines the duration of the rocket's flight.

Q: How do you find the maximum height reached by the rocket?

A: To find the maximum height reached by the rocket, you can substitute the value of $s$ at the vertex of the parabola into the expression:

y = -4.9 s^2 + 50 s + 2

where $y$ is the height of the rocket and $s$ is the time in seconds.

Q: What is the maximum height reached by the rocket?

A: The maximum height reached by the rocket is 52.1 meters. This is the value of $y$ when $s = 5.1$ .

Q: How do you find the duration of the flight?

A: To find the duration of the flight, you can find the time it takes for the rocket to reach its maximum height and then subtract this time from the total time of flight.

Q: What is the total time of flight?

A: The total time of flight is the time it takes for the rocket to reach its maximum height and return to the ground. The total time of flight can be found by finding the time it takes for the rocket to reach its maximum height and then adding this time to the time it takes for the rocket to return to the ground.

Q: How do you find the time it takes for the rocket to return to the ground?

A: The time it takes for the rocket to return to the ground is the same as the time it takes for the rocket to reach its maximum height. This is because the rocket's height is a quadratic function of time, and the time it takes for the rocket to reach its maximum height is the same as the time it takes for the rocket to return to the ground.

Q: What is the duration of the flight?

A: The duration of the flight is the time it takes for the rocket to reach its maximum height and return to the ground. The duration of the flight can be found by finding the time it takes for the rocket to reach its maximum height and then subtracting this time from the total time of flight.