Q:

The function f(x) = βˆ’x2 βˆ’ 5x + 50 shows the relationship between the vertical distance of a diver from a pool's surface f(x), in feet, and the horizontal distance x, in feet, of a diver from the diving board. What is a zero of f(x), and what does it represent? x = 5; the diver jumps in the pool at 5 feet per second. x = 10; the diver jumps in the pool at 10 feet per second. x = 10; the diver hits the water 10 feet horizontally from the board x = 5; the diver hits the water 5 feet away horizontally from the board

Accepted Solution

A:
Answer:The zero is x = 5, and it represents that the diver will enter the pool's surface 5 feet in front of the diving board.Explanation:The function is f(x) = - xΒ² - 5x + 50.Where: f(x) is the vertical distance of a diver from a pool's surface, andx is the horizontal distance of a diver from the diving board.A zero of f(x) represents a point where the diver is at the surface of the pool. There might be two possible zeros. Solve the equation to determine the zeros: - xΒ² - 5x + 50 = 0Multiply both sides by - 1: Β xΒ² + 5x - 50Factor: (x + 10) (x - 5) = 0Use zero product property: x + 10 = 0 or x - 5 = 0From x + 10 = 0 you get x = - 10From x - 5 = 0 you get x = 5.The negative zero is not valid as it would be a point behind the diving board, so the meaningful zero is when x = 5, meaning that the diver will touch the surface of the pool at 5 feet in front of the diving board.