A model rocket is launched from a roof into a large field. The path the rocket can be modeled by the equation y=-0.06x^2+9.6x+5.4 where x is the horizontal distance in meters, from the starting point on the roof and y is the height in meters, of the rocket above the ground. How far horizontally from its starting point will the rocket land?
To find the horizontal distance the rocket will land, we need to find the x-intercepts of the equation.
Setting y=0, we get:
0 = -0.06x^2 + 9.6x + 5.4
Solving for x by factoring or using the quadratic formula, we get:
x = 10m and x = 9m
Therefore, the rocket will land either 10 meters or 9 meters horizontally from its starting point.