8
QuizMultiple Choice

Applications of Conics

Question 8 • Precalculus

Lori tosses a ball into the air. The equation y = –16(x – 1)2 + 25 models the height, y, in feet, of the ball after x seconds. What is the maximum height the ball reaches?

Answer
A
1 ft
B
9 ft
C
16 ft
D
25 ft

Explanation

The equation is in vertex form, y = –16(x – 1)² + 25. Since (x – 1)² is always zero or positive, multiplying it by –16 gives a value that is zero or negative, so the greatest height occurs when x = 1 and the squared term is zero. The maximum height is 25 feet, choice D.

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