Question

An object is launched from a platform. Its height (in meters) , x seconds after the launch, is modeled by h(x) = -5(x+1)(x-9)

Answer 1

-5(1) (-9) = -5(-9) =  when the numbers are both negative it becomes positive so you multiply your numbers and the answer is 45

Answer 2

Because the time right at launch equals 0 (0 seconds have passed since the launch) solve the equation for 0.
-5(0 + 1)(0 - 9)
-5(1)(-9)
-5(-9)
45
The object was 45 metres above the ground at the time of the launch.