The function above models the height h, in feet, of an object above ground t seconds after being launched straight up in the air. What does the number 72 represent in the function?
The initial height, in feet, of the object
The maximum height, in feet, of the object
The initial speed, in feet per second, of the object
The maximum speed, in feet per second, of the object
Choice A is correct. The variable t represents the seconds after the object is launched. Since , this means that the height, in feet, at 0 seconds, or the initial height, is 72 feet.
Choices B, C, and D are incorrect and may be the result of misinterpreting the function in context.