# Equation for a Basketball Shot

1. Dec 2, 2009

### Leonof

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
I don't know what equation to use. i am trying to find out the velocity need to make a shot. the conditions are ideal.
initial height: 6 feet
initial vertical velocity:unknown
angle of trajectory: 45 degrees
range: 14 feet
time:2 seconds

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution

2. Dec 2, 2009

### Staff: Mentor

Welcome to the PF. The Relevant Equations are the kinematic equations of motion for a constant acceleration (the acceleration due to gravity). Can you list those for us?

v_y(t) = _________

y(t) = __________

And you have a constant velocity in the x direction, so you can write:

x(t) = __________

3. Dec 2, 2009

### Leonof

xt=x0 + v0 cos(a) t
y(t) = y0 + v0 sin(a) t - (1/2) g t^2

i dont understand what is meant by v_y(t)

4. Dec 2, 2009

### Staff: Mentor

Good start. v_y is shorthand for the velocity in the y direction. Written more clearly in Latex:

$$v_y$$

5. Dec 2, 2009

### Leonof

v_y=vsin0-(gx/vcos0)

6. Dec 2, 2009

### Leonof

so 14+4cos45*2=18.2
-> 4sin45-(g*18.2/4cos45)?