Example 10.10 from Prealgebra, 10.1 Add and Subtract Polynomials

Add and Subtract Polynomials: example 10.10

The polynomial $−16 t^{2} + 300$ gives the height of an object $t$ seconds after it is dropped from a $300$ foot tall bridge. Find the height after $t = 3$ 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

Substitute 3 for $t$

Simplify the expression with the exponent.

Multiply.

Simplify.

Your turn

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

The polynomial $−8 t^{2} + 24 t + 4$ gives the height, in feet, of a ball $t$ seconds after it is tossed into the air, from an initial height of $4$ feet. Find the height after $t = 3$ seconds.

How did it go?


Substitute 3 for $t$
Simplify the expression with the exponent.
Multiply.
Simplify.

Solution

Your turn

Solution

Your turn