Finding the maximum height of a ball thrown upwards is a common algebra problem. The equation used for the problem is actually a derivation of a calculus equation for velocity, but it works well to emphasize the idea of variables in algebra. To figure out the maximum height, you will need to know the initial velocity of the ball, the initial height and the time in the air. The actual equation is -16*t^2 + V * t + h, where t is the time, v is the velocity and h is the initial height.
Instructions
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1
Write down the initial height of the ball, the velocity and the time spent in the air.
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2
Multiply the velocity by the time. Add that to the initial height.
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3
Square the time and multiply it by 16. Subtract this value from the value derived in step 2. This is the maximum height of the ball.