Question

A model rocket is launched from a roof into a large field. The path of the rocket can be modeled by the equation y = –0.04x2+ 8.3x + 4.3, where x is the horizontal distance, in meters, from the starting point on the roof and y is the height, in meters, of the rocket above the ground. How far horizontally from its starting point will the rocket land?

Answer 1

For this case we have the following equation:
 y = -0.04x2 + 8.3x + 4.3
 We must match the equation to zero:
 -0.04x2 + 8.3x + 4.3 = 0
 From here, we must find the roots of the polynomial.
 Using the resolver, we have the roots are:
 x1 = -0.52
 x2 = 208,017
 We take the positive root because it is a distance.
 Answer:
 the rocket will land 208.017 m far horizontally from its starting point