SAT Question 84e8cc72: Nonlinear Functions answer and explanation with Desmos solution

Choice C is correct. It's given that a quadratic function models the height, in feet, of an object above the ground in terms of the time, in seconds, after the object is launched off an elevated surface. This quadratic function can be defined by an equation of the form $f\left(x\right)=a{\left(x-h\right)}^2+k$, where $f\left(x\right)$ is the height of the object $x$ seconds after it was launched, and $a$, $h$, and $k$ are constants such that the function reaches its maximum value, $k$, when $x=h$. Since the model indicates the object reaches its maximum height of $1,034$ feet above the ground $8$ seconds after being launched, $f\left(x\right)$ reaches its maximum value, $1,034$, when $x=8$. Therefore, $k=1,034$ and $h=8$. Substituting $8$ for $h$ and $1,034$ for $k$ in the function $f\left(x\right)=a{\left(x-h\right)}^2+k$ yields $f\left(x\right)=a{\left(x-8\right)}^2+1,034$. Since the model indicates the object has an initial height of $10$ feet above the ground, the value of $f\left(x\right)$ is $10$ when $x=0$. Substituting $0$ for $x$ and $10$ for $f\left(x\right)$ in the equation $f\left(x\right)=a{\left(x-8\right)}^2+1,034$ yields $10=a{\left(0-8\right)}^2+1,034$, or $10=64a+1,034$. Subtracting $1,034$ from both sides of this equation yields $64a=-1,024$. Dividing both sides of this equation by $64$ yields $a=-16$. Therefore, the model can be represented by the equation $f\left(x\right)=-16{\left(x-8\right)}^2+1,034$. Substituting $10$ for $x$ in this equation yields $f\left(10\right)=-16{\left(10-8\right)}^2+1,034$, or $f\left(10\right)=970$. Therefore, based on the model, $10$ seconds after being launched, the height of the object above the ground is $970$ feet.