Example 6.14 from Elementary Algebra, 6.1 Add and Subtract Polynomials

Add and Subtract Polynomials: example 6.14

The polynomial $−16 t^{2} + 250$ gives the height of a ball $t$ seconds after it is dropped from a 250 foot tall building. Find the height after $t = 2$ seconds.

Work it out on paper first. Then open the solution one step at a time, and stop as soon as you can finish on your own.

Solution

$−16 t^{2} + 250$

Substitute $t = 2$ . $−16 {(2)}^{2} + 250$

Simplify. $−16 \cdot 4 + 250$

Simplify. $−64 + 250$

Simplify. $186$

After 2 seconds the height of the ball is 186 feet.

Your turn

The book's Try It right after this example: same idea, new numbers. Only the answer is given.

The polynomial $−16 t^{2} + 250$ gives the height of a ball $t$ seconds after it is dropped from a 250-foot tall building. Find the height after $t = 0$ seconds.

How did it go?

	$−16 t^{2} + 250$
Substitute $t = 2$ .	$−16 {(2)}^{2} + 250$
Simplify.	$−16 \cdot 4 + 250$
Simplify.	$−64 + 250$
Simplify.	$186$
	After 2 seconds the height of the ball is 186 feet.

Solution

Your turn

Solution

Your turn