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. Understanding the properties of quadratic functions, such as their vertex, axis of symmetry, and roots, is essential for analyzing their behavior, including finding inverse functions.
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Inverse Functions
An inverse function essentially reverses the effect of the original function. For a function f(t), its inverse f⁻¹(h) allows us to find the input t for a given output h. To find the inverse of a function, one typically swaps the dependent and independent variables and solves for the new dependent variable. This concept is crucial for determining the time t at which the baseball reaches a specific height h.
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Solving Quadratic Equations
To find the inverse function in this context, one must solve the quadratic equation derived from the height function. This often involves rearranging the equation to isolate t, which may require using the quadratic formula, t = (-b ± √(b² - 4ac)) / 2a. Understanding how to manipulate and solve quadratic equations is vital for accurately determining the time at which the baseball reaches a given height as it travels downward.
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