Why doesn't my result yield 9.8 m/s^2?

[Henrybar]

A ball falling from rest is located 45meters below its starting point 3.0s later. Assuming its acceleration is uniform, what is it's value? (air resistance is negligible)

Relevant Equations - Equations for uniformly accelerated motion
Δd=(v1 x Δt)+(a x Δt^2)/2

Attempt To solve:
v1= 0
Δd=45m
Δt=3.0s
a=?

a=(2Δd/Δt^2)-(2v1Δt/Δt^2)
a= ((2 x 45)/9)-((0 x 3)/9)
a=10m/s^2

If a ball is falling from rest(0 initial velocity) shouldn't it's acceleration be 9.8 seconds since gravity is constant? Is my equation wrong? Is my idea of time-acceleration misplaced?

 

[gneill]

The given values result in the acceleration that you calculated. Your calculation is okay.

In introductory classes g is often approximated to be 10 m/s² because it simplifies numerical calculations while still getting across the concepts being taught.

 

[AlephZero]

The question doesn't say the ball was near the surface of the earth. Don't make unjustified assumptions!