Algebra help? ?

Question

I can't remember how to solve this equation: h(t) = -4.9t^2 + 49

Can you please tell me how to solve it. I do not want someone to give me the answer, but I would appreciate your help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Since the highest exponent is 2, this is called a quadratic function.  Questions of this type can always be solved using the quadratic formula:

[-b +/- sqrt(b^2-4ac) ] /2a

If you need review on this, check out this page:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quadratic_e...

In your case, a = -4.9, b= 0, and c= 49

Plugging this in to the equation, you get:

t= 3.16

You actually get two answers, but one of them is negative.  Since t stands for time and time can never be negative, we only choose the positive one (3.16).

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

h(t) is basically the same as t

so

if you move h(t) over, then it'd be

-4.9t^2 - t + 49 = 0

then solve as you'd solve any other equation.

Answer 3

Hello. I am in advanced classes for math at my high school. All you have to do is try and factor the terms on the right. You can do this by finding a common factor or by FOIL. Either way, it can be done.

Answer 4

Im not sure exactly what you mean by h(t), but i suppose you are trying to find what t is?

h(t)= -(4.9t^2-49)

Then use the difference of two squares formula which is (a^2-b^2)= (a+b)(a-b)

Answer 5

There is no single solution.  h(t) has different values for each value of t you provide. It generates a curve.

If you are looking for the values of t where h(t) = 0?  A common problem.  Just set h(t) = 0 and solve for t. (turns out to ±sqrt(10).