We cannot calculate the confidence interval without the sample size. However, for the second question, the sample size needed would be 49.
The formula we use is

To find the z-score:
Convert 98% to a decimal: 0.98
Subtract from 1: 1-0.98 = 0.02
Divide by 2: 0.02/2 = 0.01
Subtract from 1: 1-0.01 = 0.99
Using a z-table (http://www.z-table.com) we see that this value is closest to a z-score of 2.33.
Using the z-score, our standard deviation (9) and our margin of error (3), we have:
No if it was, the football would keep going up forever and keep going up faster as it was released
physics and common sense tells us that there is air resistance to slow the rise of the football
not exponential
Answer to 1: 648
Answer to 2: 175
Answer: 2 hr.
Explanation: Think back to rate of change. <em>d</em> = <em>rt</em>, <em>r</em> = <em>d/t</em>, <em>t</em> = <em>d/r</em>. In this case, we will be using <em>d</em> = <em>rt</em>. Mph would be <em>r</em>, rate, so you would categorize 15 mph and 8 mph under rate. <em>t</em> should represent the time each cyclist traveled. Tracey's and Emma's distance, <em>d</em>, would be the same as their mph, hence Tracey's being 15<em>t</em> and Emma's would be 8<em>t</em>. When you add Tracey's distance plus Emma's distance, you end up with 46 mi. Now, you need to combine like terms, which should look like 15<em>t</em> + 8<em>t </em> = 46. Add 15 and 8 to get 23, so it should be 23<em>t</em> = 46 now. Then, divide both sides of the equation by 23 and now you should have your answer, <em>t</em> = 2 hr.