Math In Basketball Lesson Page 19
ADVERTISEMENT
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31Math in Basketball: Take the Challenge
ANSWER KEY
When NBA player Elton Brand steps to the free throw line, a number of key variables can
influence his shot. Your challenge is to use the 3 key variables and Elton’s stats to figure out
the maximum height the ball reaches on its way into the basket to make the shot.
(This activity can also be completed online. Go to , click on “The
Challenges,” then scroll down and click on “Math in Basketball: Take the Challenge.”)
FAST BREAK FACTS: KNOW THE STATS
1. Identify what you already know. Look at the Fast Break Facts (following the last question
in this handout) for information about the 3 key variables and Elton’s stats.
2
• The Acceleration of Gravity:
t
-16
• Elton’s Initial Vertical Velocity :
24 ft/sec
• Elton’s Release Height:
7 feet
h
t
Combine these 3 key variables used to calculate the ball’s height,
, at a given time,
, by
setting up an equation to get started.
2
h(t) = -16t
+ 24t + 7
AT WHAT TIME(S) DOES THE BALL REACH 10 FEET?
2. Plan it out. What strategy will you use? Select one or more representations, such as your
equation or a graph (found on the last page), to calculate the value(s) of
t
when the ball
reaches a height of 10 feet.
Strategy A:
The height (h) of the ball, in feet, at a given time (t) is represented by the equation:
2
h(t) = -16t
+ 24t + 7
where 24 is the initial vertical velocity and 7 is the release height
The value for t at 10 feet would occur at two points in time, one on the way up, the other at the hoop.
2
Substitute 10 feet for h(t): 10 = -16t
+ 24t + 7
2
Write in standard form: 0 = at
+ bt + c by subtracting 10 from each side:
2
0 = -16t
+ 24t + (-3); where a = -16, b = 24, and c = -3
√
Solve algebraically using the quadratic formula, t =
, or complete the square to find two values
of t.
ADVERTISEMENT
0 votes
Related Articles
Related forms
Related Categories
Parent category: Education