Bird Drops a Stick - Interpret the Maximum of the Function

A bird drops a stick from the top of Miami Tower.  The height of the stick after x seconds is given by
f(x) = 625 - 16x².

Select all the correct interpretations of the coordinates of the point at the maximum
of the function f(x). 

A.)  the time it takes the stick to hit the ground
B.)  the time when the stick is at its highest point
C.)  the height of the stick when it is dropped from the top of Miami Tower
D.)  the time when the stick is dropped from the top of Miami Tower
E.)  the distance of the stick from Miami Tower when it hits the ground

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The graph of the function f(x) = 625 - 16x² is a parabola opening downward.  Imagine the flight of the bird being that parabola.  You can graph f(x) = 625 - 16x² with the graphing calculator on this site.

The maximum of the function f(x) is the vertex of the parabola.  In other words, the highest point the
bird reaches in its flight.

Therefore the correct interpretations include:
B.)  the time when the stick is at its highest point
C.)  the height of the stick when it is dropped from the top of Miami Tower
D.)  the time when the stick is dropped from the top of Miami Tower

Ask Algebra House
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