Applications of quadratic equations in athletics
Answers
Step-by-step explanation:
Quadratic equations are actually used in everyday life, as when calculating areas, determining a product's profit or formulating the speed of an object. Quadratic equations refer to equations with at least one squared variable, with the most standard form being ax² + bx + c = 0. The letter X represents an unknown, and a b and c being the coefficients representing known numbers and the letter a is not equal to zero.
Quadratics in Athletics
In athletic events that involve throwing objects like the shot put, balls or javelin, quadratic equations become highly useful. For example, you throw a ball into the air and have your friend catch it, but you want to give her the precise time it will take the ball to arrive. Use the velocity equation, which calculates the height of the ball based on a parabolic or quadratic equation. Begin by throwing the ball at 3 meters, where your hands are. Also assume that you can throw the ball upward at 14 meters per second, and that the earth's gravity is reducing the ball's speed at a rate of 5 meters per second squared. From this, we can calculate the height, h, using the variable t for time, in the form of h = 3 + 14t - 5t^2. If your friend's hands are also at 3 meters in height, how many seconds will it take the ball to reach her? To answer this, set the equation equal to 3 = h, and solve for t. The answer is approximately 2.8 seconds.