8.5 yd/1 * 3ft/1yd ................
We have the following expression:
(x- (5/2)) ^ 2 = (13/4)
Let's rewrite the given expression:
x ^ 2 - 5x + 25/4 = (13/4)
x ^ 2 - 5x + 25/4 - 13/4 = 0
x ^ 2 - 5x + 12/4 = 0
x ^ 2 - 5x + 3 = 0
Answer:
the original equation given to Sam could have been:
x ^ 2 - 5x + 3 = 0
To illustrate the problem, refer to the following diagram, made with the ever-helpful notepad application:
|\ | \ | \h| \ | \ | \ |_____q\ x
Pretending as if that is a wonderfully-drawn triangle, we are given the distance x of the observer from the launch pad. The angle q is also stated, and is located in the diagram as shown. To look for the distance h of the tip of the rocket to the ground, we consider the following trigonometry function:
tan q = h/x
Since we are solving for h, we multiply both sides with x, giving us:
h = x * tan q
Among the choices, the correct answer is C.
