Answer:
B. 1 in.
Step-by-step explanation:
For a quadratic of the form ...
ax^2 +bx +c
The axis of symmetry is found at ...
x = -b/(2a) = -(-1)/(2·0.01) = 50
The value of the function at x=50 is ...
h = (0.01·50 -1)·50 +26 = -25+26
h = 1
The lowest part of the rope is 1 inch above the ground.
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Comment on the solution
It is often easier to evaluate a quadratic or other polynomial if it is written in Horner's form:
h = (ax +b)x +c
If you evaluate a polynomial using a synthetic division tableau, you will find the sequence of arithmetic operations to be identical.
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A graphing calculator can make short work of a problem such as this.
