During a pumpkin launching contest, two pumpkins are launched at the same time. The path of pumpkin A is modeled by the equation y = –0.01x2 + 0.32x + 4. The path of pumpkin B is modeled by the equation y = –0.01x2 + 0.18x + 5. If x represents the distance the pumpkin traveled in feet and y represents height of the pumpkin in feet, what does the intersection point of the equations represent?
Answer
A
the height at which the pumpkins reach their greatest horizontal distance from the launch site
B
the horizontal distance of the pumpkins from the launch site when they reach the ground
C
the starting height of the pumpkins when they are at the launch site
D
the horizontal distance of the pumpkins from the launch site when their heights are the same
Explanation
An intersection point is where the two equations have the same y-value for the same x-value. Here, x is horizontal distance and y is height, so the point represents the distance from the launch site at which the pumpkins are at the same height. Choice D describes this; it does not mean they have reached the ground or their maximum distance.
AI-written and checked against the verified answer.