16Hit1600
Advanced MathEasy–MediumSolving a quadratic from a formula in context

Advanced Math practice question

The distance d, in metres, a dropped object falls in t seconds is approximately d = 5t². How many seconds does it take an object to fall 45 metres?

Answer: 3

5t² = 45, so t² = 9 and t = 3 (time is positive).

Common wrong answers

If you answered 9
9 is t², not t.
If you answered 225
225 multiplies 45 by 5 instead of dividing.
If you answered 4.5
4.5 is 45/10, treating the formula as linear.

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