physics problem (olypmic long jumper)

[lmf22]

An Olympic long jumper is capable of jumping 8.5 m. Assume that his horizontal speed is 8.7 m/s as he leaves the ground, and that he lands standing upright, the same way he left the ground. How long is he in the air?

How high does he go?

I'm stuck and don't know where to start except that it involves the distance formular in the X and Y components.

[HallsofIvy]

Actually, I don't see that you need to worry about y at all!

You are told that his horizontal speed is 8.7 m/s and that he covers 8.5 m horizontally. Just ignore the vertical motion. How long does it take to go 8.5 m at 8.7 m/s?