Question:

The formula s=4.90t^2 gives the distance s in meters that a body falls in a given time t. Find the distance a ball drops in 4.2 seconds. Use the rules for multiplication of measurements in evaluating the answer.
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I understand how to use the multiplication rules, but I'm confused about how to work the problem. Looking for steps on how to solve. Thank you!

rule is you can't have an answer more precise than the least precise number.

s=4.90*4.2^2
the 4.2 is the least precise measurement, so the answer is only good to two digits.
s=21 meters

d =4.90 x 4.2 ^2 .=86.4 aprox 86 m

To find the distance a ball drops in 4.2 seconds using the formula s=4.90t^2, you need to substitute the given time value into the equation.

Here's how you can solve the problem step by step:

1. Write down the formula given: s = 4.90t^2

2. Substitute the value of the time into the formula. In this case, the time given is 4.2 seconds. So replace 't' with 4.2 in the formula: s = 4.90(4.2)^2

3. Simplify the equation within the parentheses. Square the value of 4.2: s = 4.90(17.64)

4. Perform the multiplication: s = 85.836

5. Apply the multiplication rules for measurements. In this case, the distance is given in meters, which is a unit of length. So, the multiplication rule for measurements states that when you multiply a value by a unit, the unit gets squared as well. Therefore, the distance should be expressed as "85.836 meters squared" or "85.836 m^2", rather than just "85.836 meters".

To summarize, the distance the ball drops in 4.2 seconds is approximately 85.836 meters squared or 85.836 m^2.