Given: A small toy rocket is launched from a 32-foot pad. The height (h, in feet) of the rocket t seconds after taking off is given by the formula
[tex]h=-2t^2+0t+32[/tex]
Required: To find out how long will it take the rocket to hit the ground.
Explanation: When the rocket touches the ground its height will be zero i.e.,
[tex]\begin{gathered} -2t^2+0t+32=0 \\ 2t^2=32 \\ t^2=16 \end{gathered}[/tex]
Which gives
[tex]t=\pm4[/tex]
Neglecting the negative value of t since time cannot be negative. We have
[tex]t=4\text{ seconds}[/tex]
Final Answer: Time, t=4 seconds.