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Algebra 1

8.1.1 Understanding a Situation with Quadratic Equations

Algebra 18.1.1 Understanding a Situation with Quadratic Equations

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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?

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