Chapter 9.4, Problem 5CYU

To determine

Find the solution.

Answer to Problem 5CYU

0.62 seconds

Explanation of Solution

Given Information: $h=-16t^2+h_0$

Formula Used: Quadratic formula

Calculation:

While painting his bedroom, Nick drops his paintbrush off his ladder from a height of 6 feet.

Use the formula

  $h=-16t^2+h_0$

To approximate the number of seconds it takes for the paintbrush to hit the floor

  $h=-16t^2+6$

So, simplify

  $-2\left(8t^2-3\right)=0$

Now,

  $\left(8t^2-3\right)=0$

Now,

  $t^2=\frac{3}{8}$

Now,

  $t=\sqrt{\frac{3}{8}}$

Hence,

  $t=\pm 0.62$

So, it takes about 0.62 seconds to drop 6 feet.