NAME _______________________________________ DATE _____________________________ PERIOD _______

Algebra HW - Projectile Motion Models: Solve by using Quadratic Formula

*Please choose one of the equations below according to the unit mentioned in the problems. The equation for
an object’s height after a certain amount of time can be written as:

h = -16t 2 + vt + s (in feet) or h = -4.9t 2 + vt + s (in meters)

In these equations, h stands for ending height, t stands for time, v stands for starting velocity, and s stands for
starting height.

1. If Monique jumps off a diving board that is 6 feet high at an upward velocity of 4 feet per
second, how long until she hits the water?

-b ± b2 - 4ac
x=
Where is she after 1 second, h(1)? 2a

2. An object is launched at 19.6 meters per second (m/s) from a 58.8 meter tall platform.
When does the object strike the ground?

3. The height of an object thrown upward from the ground with velocity of 80 feet per
second is given by h ( t ) = -16t 2 + 80t , where t is time measured in seconds.
a. How long will it take to return to ground level?

b. When is the object 96 feet above the ground, h(t) = 96?

 4. A rocket is launched from atop a 113-foot cliff with an initial velocity of 124 feet per
second. The height of the rocket t seconds after launch is given by the equation
h ( t ) = -16t 2 + 124t + 113
a. How long after the rocket is launched will it hit the ground?

-b ± b2 - 4ac
x=
2a

b. Where is the rocket after 4 seconds, h(4)?

c. When is the rocket 197 feet off the ground, h(t) = 197?

5. Identify the number of real roots based on the discriminant property:

a) f ( x ) = -2 x2 - 9 b) f ( x ) = x2 + 3x - 7