College

The height, in feet, of an object [tex]x[/tex] seconds after it is thrown straight up in the air can be modeled by the function [tex]h(x) = -16x^2 + 20x + 5[/tex]. Based on the model, which of the following statements best interprets the equation [tex]h(1.4) = 1.64[/tex]?

A. The height of the object 1.4 seconds after being thrown straight up in the air is 1.64 feet.

B. The height of the object 1.64 seconds after being thrown straight up in the air is 1.4 feet.

C. The height of the object 1.64 seconds after being thrown straight up in the air is approximately 1.4 times as great as its initial height.

D. The speed of the object 1.4 seconds after being thrown straight up in the air is approximately 1.64 feet per second.

Answer :

Let's interpret the equation [tex]\( h(1.4) = 1.64 \)[/tex] based on the given function [tex]\( h(x) = -16x^2 + 20x + 5 \)[/tex].

1. Understanding the Function:
The function [tex]\( h(x) = -16x^2 + 20x + 5 \)[/tex] models the height of an object in feet after [tex]\( x \)[/tex] seconds when it is thrown straight up.

2. Substituting the Value:
In the equation [tex]\( h(1.4) = 1.64 \)[/tex], the value [tex]\( x = 1.4 \)[/tex] represents the time in seconds after the object is thrown.

3. Interpreting the Result:
The result [tex]\( 1.64 \)[/tex] is the height of the object in feet at the time [tex]\( x = 1.4 \)[/tex] seconds.

4. Correct Interpretation:
Statement A: "The height of the object 1.4 seconds after being thrown straight up in the air is 1.64 feet."
This statement correctly matches our interpretation of the function and the given equation.

In conclusion, at 1.4 seconds after the object is thrown, it reaches a height of 1.64 feet. Therefore, the best interpretation of the equation [tex]\( h(1.4) = 1.64 \)[/tex] is given by option A.