Suppose the staging platform for a fireworks display is 6 ft above ground

Conic Section

1

Parabola

The purpose of this discussion is to: find an equation to a real life situation such as the problem described below I want to see your ideas, and perspectives.

Suppose the staging platform for a fireworks display is 6 ft above ground, and the mortars leave the platform at 96 ft/sec. The height of mortars h(t) (in feet) can be modeled by

h(t)=−16t2 + 96t + 6,

where t is the time in seconds after launch: Find the following

1.  If the fuses are set for 3 sec after launch, at what height will the fireworks explode?

2.  Will the fireworks explode at their maximum height? Explain

Instruction: 

1. Discuss the fact why it is a parabola problem.

2. Set up an equation of the form:  h(t) = a (t − h)2 + k 

3. Use the vertex formula to write the equation and solve the problem above.

4. Respond to at least two students post.

5. Discuss their solutions, why you agree or disagree with them.