Solve for Football Field Goal: Height & Time Calculations"

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving the trajectory of a football during a field goal attempt, modeled by a quadratic equation. Participants are exploring how to analyze the height and time of the ball's flight, specifically focusing on when it reaches the ground and how long it remains above a certain height.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the possibility of solving the problem using different methods, such as completing the square and the quadratic formula. There are questions about the necessity of using a specific method and the understanding of the quadratic equation's general form.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants offering various perspectives on solving the problem. Some express uncertainty about their mathematical skills, while others suggest alternative methods. There is no explicit consensus on the preferred approach, but guidance has been provided regarding the use of the quadratic formula.

Contextual Notes

Some participants indicate a lack of familiarity with certain mathematical techniques, such as completing the square, which may affect their ability to engage fully with the problem. The requirement to clear a height of 5 meters for the field goal adds a specific constraint to the discussion.

night_stroller
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hi,

Can somebody please help me solve this through completing the square?

A football player attempts a field goal by kicking the football. The ball follows the path modeled by the equation h=-4.9^2+10t+3, where h is the height of the ball above the ground in metres, and t is the time since the ball was kicked in seconds.

a) Describe the path of the ball.
b) After how many seconds does the ball reach the ground?
c) The ball must clear the uprights for the field goal to count. The uprights are approximately 5m high. How long does the ball stay above 5 m in height?
 
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Must you do it by completing the square? Why not use the quadratic formula?
 
We should have a mod roll call.
 
Tom Mattson said:
Must you do it by completing the square? Why not use the quadratic formula?

I haven't learned it yet.
 
night_stroller said:
I haven't learned it yet.

Why not prove it then =] ? Completet the square on the general quadratic form [itex]ax^2 + bx + c[/itex], where a, b and c are real constants.
 
which bit are you stuck on exactly?

for a), its kind of you know it or you dont.

for b), when the ball hits the ground, you know its height is what?

from there you can simply solve the quadratric using the quadratic formula (be useful if you can derive it, but just search google if you can't be bothered).

for c), same sort of method as b), just use a dif value for height.

need any more help?
 

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