Question

The height, h, of a falling object t seconds after it is dropped from a platform 300 feet above the ground is modeled by the function h(t)=300-16t^2 Which expression could be used to determine the average rate at which the object falls during the first 3 seconds of its fall?

Answer 1

Average rate = [h(3) - h(0)]/(3 - 0)
h(3) = 300 - 16(3)^2 = 300 - 16(9) = 300 - 144 = 156
h(0) = 300 - 16(0)^2 = 300

average rate = (156 - 300)/3 = -144/3 = -48

Therefore, the object falls with an average rate of 48 ft/s during the first 3 seconds.