Quadratic equations help us understand the way objects move in sports.

One common equation is:

$h(t) = -16t^2 + v_0t + h_0$

Here’s what each part means:

• $h(t)$: This tells us the height in feet.
• $t$: This is the time in seconds.
• $v_0$: This is the starting speed in feet per second.
• $h_0$: This is the starting height.

Let’s look at an example:

Imagine a basketball being shot.

If the ball starts with a speed of 30 feet per second and is released from a height of 6 feet, we can write:

$h(t) = -16t^2 + 30t + 6$

Now, if we want to know the highest point the ball reaches and when it happens, we can find the vertex of this equation.

This information is really useful for athletes in sports like basketball or soccer, as it helps them improve their skills and performance!