Problem
Question 3 (Multiple Choice Worth 5 points) (Modeling Functions MC) A golf ball is hit from the ground. The golf ball reaches a maximum height of 80 feet after 30 yards and hits the ground again after 60 yards Which type of model would best fit the data, and why? The data is best modeled by a quadratic function because the golf ball increases to a maximum height of 30 yards and then decreases The data is best modeled by a quadratic function because the golf ball increases to a maximum height of 80 feet and then decreases The data is best modeled by an exponential function because the golf ball increases to a maximum height of 30 yards and then decreases The data is best modeled by an exponential function because the golf ball increases to a maximum height of 80 feet and then decreases
Solution
Step 1 ：The trajectory of a golf ball (or any object thrown in the air) follows a parabolic path, which is best modeled by a quadratic function. The golf ball increases to a maximum height and then decreases, which is characteristic of a quadratic function. The maximum height is given as 80 feet, not 30 yards.
Step 2 ：Therefore, the data is best modeled by a quadratic function because the golf ball increases to a maximum height of 80 feet and then decreases.
Step 3 ：\(\boxed{\text{The data is best modeled by a quadratic function because the golf ball increases to a maximum height of 80 feet and then decreases.}}\)
