We can create a parabola equation of the trajectory using
the vertex form:
y = a (x – h)^2 + k
The center is at h and k, where h and k are the points at
the maximum height so:
h = 250
k = 120
Therefore:
y = a (x – 250)^2
+ 120
At the initial point, x = 0, y = 0, so we can solve for
a:
0 = a (0 – 250)^2 + 120
0 = a (62,500) + 120
a = -0.00192
So the whole equation is:
y = -0.00192 (x – 250)^2 + 120
So find for y when the golf ball is above the tree, x =
400:
y = -0.00192 (400 - 250)^2 + 120
y = 76.8 ft
So the ball cleared the tree by:
76.8 ft – 60 ft = 16.8 ft
Answer:
16.8 ft
