Objects that are projectiles such as bullets, cannon balls, baseballs, or flying coconuts are modeled using quadratic equations because the shape of their flight path is parabolic. These flying objects ascend upward in a somewhat curved path, hitting a maximum point, then they begin to descend due to gravity.

Imagine that you are engaged in an intense beach volleyball game. The ball is volleyed over the net back and forth. The ball's movement is modeled by the equation: y = -16t² + vt +h, where v is the initial starting velocity, h is the height the ball starts at, and t is time.

Begin this discussion by:

• Determining your height as a decimal in feet. For example, if you are 4 feet 2 inches, your height is 4 + (2/12) = 4 + 0.167 = 4.167 ft. Show your calculation and height. This is the initial height.
• Choose a velocity between 2 feet/second and 10 feet/second. Clearly indicate your velocity.
• What's and equation to model the path of your beach ball as you hit it each time. Keep in mind that we don't know the t-value or the y-value unless we solve, so this is just an equation that still has those variables.
• When will the volleyball hit the floor? Assume y = 0 and solve. Clearly show your work and final answer.