Skip to ContentGo to accessibility pageKeyboard shortcuts menu
OpenStax Logo
Algebra 1

8.1.1 Understanding a Situation with Quadratic Equations

Algebra 18.1.1 Understanding a Situation with Quadratic Equations
Search for key terms or text.

Warm Up

A mechanical device is used to launch a potato vertically into the air. The potato is launched from a platform 20 feet above the ground, with an initial vertical velocity of 92 feet per second.

The function h(t)=−16t2+92t+20h(t)=−16t2+92t+20 models the height of the potato over the ground, in feet, tt seconds after launch.

Here is the graph representing the function.

A graph showing height in feet versus time in seconds; the curve rises, peaks at 4 seconds and 160 feet, then descends, crossing the x axis at 6 seconds.

For each question, explain your reasoning.

1.

What is the height of the potato 1 second after launch?

2.

Will the potato still be in the air 8 seconds after launch?

3.

Will the potato reach 120 feet? If so, when will it happen?

4.

When will the potato hit the ground, or have a height of zero feet?

PreviousNext
Citation/Attribution

This book may not be used in the training of large language models or otherwise be ingested into large language models or generative AI offerings without OpenStax's permission.

Want to cite, share, or modify this book? This book uses the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike License and you must attribute OpenStax.

Attribution information
  • If you are redistributing all or part of this book in a print format, then you must include on every physical page the following attribution:

    Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/algebra-1/pages/about-this-course

  • If you are redistributing all or part of this book in a digital format, then you must include on every digital page view the following attribution:

    Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/algebra-1/pages/about-this-course

Citation information

© May 21, 2025 OpenStax. Textbook content produced by OpenStax is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike License . The OpenStax name, OpenStax logo, OpenStax book covers, OpenStax CNX name, and OpenStax CNX logo are not subject to the Creative Commons license and may not be reproduced without the prior and express written consent of Rice University.