Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Quadratic Functions
The height function h(t) = 64t - 16t² is a quadratic function, which is characterized by its parabolic shape. Quadratic functions can be expressed in the standard form ax² + bx + c, where a, b, and c are constants. In this case, the coefficient of t² is negative, indicating that the parabola opens downward, which is typical for projectile motion.
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Inverse Functions
An inverse function essentially reverses the effect of the original function. For a function f(t), the inverse f⁻¹(h) allows us to find the input t for a given output h. To find the inverse of a quadratic function, we typically solve for t in terms of h, which may involve rearranging the equation and applying the quadratic formula.
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Projectile Motion
Projectile motion describes the motion of an object thrown into the air, influenced only by gravity after its initial launch. The height of the object over time can be modeled by a quadratic equation, where the initial velocity and gravitational acceleration determine the trajectory. Understanding this concept is crucial for interpreting the height function and its inverse in the context of the baseball's flight.
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