math help. Word problem Algebra?

A ball is thrown from a height of 80 feet with an initial downward velocity of 4ft/s . The ball's height h (in feet) after t seconds is given by the following.

h=80-4t-16t^(2)

How long after the ball is thrown does it hit the ground?

Round your answers to the nearest hundredth.

Please answer and explain. Thanks for the help!

Comments

  • Well, let h = 0 and solve for t!

    0 = 80 - 4t - 16t²

    0 = 4(20 - t - 4t²)

    Use quad. formula...

    t = (-b ± √(b² - 4ac))/2a

    = -(1 ± √((-1)² - 4(-4)(20)))/8

    = 1/8 * (√(321) - 1) [which is the answer]

    Good luck!

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