Explanation
Correct answer: B.
Choice B is correct. It's given that the function estimates that the object is feet above the ground when it's dropped at . Substituting for and for in the function yields , or . Substituting for in the function yields . When the object hits the ground, its height will be feet above the ground. Substituting for in yields . Adding to each side of this equation yields . Dividing each side of this equation by yields . Since the object will hit the ground at a positive number of seconds after it's dropped, the value of can be found by taking the positive square root of each side of this equation, which yields . It follows that the function estimates the object will hit the ground approximately seconds after being dropped.
Desmos solution:
Note: Set height to 0; the regression’s positive time t=14.5 gives when the object hits the ground.
Enter in Desmos:
Reviewed and rewritten by CookSAT
Why the other choices are wrong
Choice A
Choice A is incorrect. The function estimates that seconds after being dropped, the object's height will be feet, or feet, above the ground.
Choice C
Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.
Choice D
Choice D is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.