Expert: Lynn Houston - 8/13/2008

Question
A ball dropped from a certain height rises after bouncing to 30 % of its original height. After bouncing if the ball rises to 2 1/2 ft. What is the height from which it was dropped?

How do you work this problem and also how can you detemine if your looking for the base or the amount? I'm confused  

Answer
Let x equal the height the ball was dropped from.  So, if the ball rises 30% and the ball rises 2.5 feet, then your equation is going to be .3x = 2.5 or, 30% of what = 2.5
To solve, divide both sides by .3.  So .3x/.3 = 2.5/.3 or
x = 8.3333 feet.


I'm not sure what you're asking about with the "base or the amount".  You're looking for the height the ball was originally dropped from.  Let me know if you have any questions about the process.