Physics projectile problem - finding vertical range using the horizontal range

[gchuchro]

Homework Statement

What is the maximum vertical height to which a baseball player can throw a ball if his maximum throwing range is 54 m?

vertical: a=9.8 m/s/s, Vyo=0 m/s, d=?, t=?
horizontal: d=54 m, a=0 m/s/s, Vxo=?, t=?

Homework Equations

d=Vo*t+.5*a*t^2

The Attempt at a Solution

Since Vo or theta was not given, I decided to graph a parabola who's derivative would be 9.8t...so on my calculator I graphed 4.9t^2. Since I know it traveled 54 meters horizontally, I thought the y value of the parabola when x=27 would be my answer..but it clearly was not.

Any ideas on how to approach this? I'm confused because of the few givens I have to work with.

 

[davo789]

Hi gchuchro and welcome to PF!

Firstly a question from me: how would you throw a ball if you wanted to throw it furthest away?