When using a quadratic equation in the form y is equal to A x squared plus b x plus c to model the height of a projectile y over time x , which of the following is always represented by the constant term?
Answer
A
the initial velocity of the projectile
B
the maximum height of the projectile
C
the initial height of the projectile
D
the time at which the projectile hits the ground
Explanation
At the initial time, x = 0. Substituting into y = A x² + b x + c makes the x² and x terms zero, so y = c. Therefore, the constant term represents the projectile’s initial height.
AI-written and checked against the verified answer.