A professional football team uses computers to describe the projectile motion of a football when punted. After compiling data from several games,
the computer models the height of an average punt with the equation
h(t) = ((-16)/3)(t - 2.2)^2 + 26.9
where t is the time in seconds and h(t) is the height in yards. The punter’s
foot makes contact with the ball when t = 0.
1. Find h(3) and explain the meaning of this value.
2. When does the punt reach its highest point? How high does the
football go?
3. For how long is the football in the air before it hits the ground? Use an
algebraic approach.
4. How high is the football when the punter kicks it? Show your work.
5. For how long is the football in the air at a height of at least 20 yards?
Use an algebraic approach and justify your answer.