When using a quadratic equation in the form y = ax2 + bx + 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 height of the projectile
B
the initial velocity of the projectile
C
the time at which the projectile hits the ground
D
the maximum height of the projectile
Explanation
At the initial time, x = 0. Substituting into y = ax² + bx + c gives y = c, since the terms containing x become zero. So the constant term represents the projectile’s initial height.
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