Family Snowball Fight
A family of 4 are going to have a snowball fight. What factors can you think of that play a role in a
whether a snowball will actually hit the intended target? What are the different pairs of independent
and dependent variables you could use to model the path of a snowball using a quadratic equation?
The four family members all throw snowballs on command. After the command to throw (at time of
zero seconds), Fran F (x), Jon J (x), Kit K (x), and Gary G (x), each throw one snowball. The
height relative to time for each throw is represented using a table, graph, or algebraic function,
describing each snowball and its point of impact.
Analyze how each throw behaves and how it compares to the other throws as you complete the
following tasks without using a Graphing Calculator. Use the image below to help you as needed.
x K(x)
0 8
0.2 12.16
0.5 16
0.7 16.96
0.9 16.64
1 16
1.25 13
1.4 10.24
1.75 1
$J(x) = -16x^2 + 8x + 8$
where $x: (0 \le x \le 1)$
Use the representations that describe the snowball throws to determine whose snowball fits
each description.
Some family members may be used more than once. If no one fits the description, select
none.
The person whose snowball reaches the greatest height over time.
[Select]
The person who waited 2 seconds before throwing the snowball.
[Select]
The person who has the highest release when throwing the snowball.
[Select]
The person whose snowball goes the farthest horizontal distance.
[Select]
The person whose snowball hit a target 2 feet from the ground.
[Select]
