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This question is tough for me.. Help!

Expert replies
by yumi2012 » Sat Aug 10, 2013 7:48 pm
An object thrown directly upward is at a height of h feet after t seconds, where h = -16 (t - 3)^2 +
150. At what height, in feet, is the object 2 seconds after it reaches its maximum height?

A. 6
B. 86
C. 134
D 150
E. 214
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Source: — Problem Solving |

by GMATGuruNY » Sat Aug 10, 2013 7:58 pm
An object thrown directly upward is at a height of h feet after t seconds, where h = -16 (t - 3)^2 +150. At what height, in feet, is the object 2 seconds after it reaches its maximum height?
A. 6
B. 86
C. 134
D 150
E. 214
Equation, rephrased:
h = 150 - 16(t-3)².

To MAXIMIZE the value of h, we need to MINIMIZE the value SUBTRACTED from 150: 16(t-3)².
Since (t-3)² cannot be negative, the smallest possible value of 16(t-3)² is 0.
16(t-3)² = 0 when t=3.
Thus, the maximum height occurs when t=3.

Two seconds later, t=5.
When t=5, h = 150 - 16(5-3)² = 150-64 = 86.

The correct answer is B.
Last edited by GMATGuruNY on Sat May 03, 2014 2:09 am, edited 1 time in total.
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by faraz_jeddah » Sun Aug 11, 2013 10:44 am
GMATGuruNY wrote:
An object thrown directly upward is at a height of h feet after t seconds, where h = -16 (t - 3)^2 +150. At what height, in feet, is the object 2 seconds after it reaches its maximum height?
A. 6
B. 86
C. 134
D 150
E. 214
Equation, rephrased:
h = 150 - 16t - 3)².

To MAXIMIZE the value of h, we need to MINIMIZE the value SUBTRACTED from 150: 16(t-3)².
Since (t-3)² cannot be negative, the smallest possible value of 16(t-3)² is 0.
16(t-3)² = 0 when t=3.
Thus, the maximum height occurs when t=3.

Two seconds later, t=5.
When t=5, h = 150 - 16(5-3)² = 150-64 = 86.

The correct answer is B.
This is a good question. What is the source?

Also, Mitch - Do we need to use some physics and understand that the object is on its way down after reaching its max. height?
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by [email protected] » Sun Aug 11, 2013 10:50 pm
Hi faraz_jeddah,

Yes, logically you do have to realize that since the ball is thrown upward, once it hits its maximum height, then it's heading back down. The essential part is figuring out what the maximum height is; once that's taken care of, then you can just +2 to the time and solve for height.

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by macattack » Sun Aug 11, 2013 11:00 pm
This is a typical Max/Min problem. Usually in max min problems you have an equation of the form: Negative*variable+constant. Now to maximize that equation you have to minimize the negative part of it!
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