Question

billy drops a ball from a height of 1 m. the ball bounces back to a height of 0.8 m, then bounces again to a height of 0.5 m, and bounces once more to a height of 0.2 m. up is the positive direction. what is the total distance of the ball? if you answer is not an integer, round it to the nearest tenths place (1st decimal place).

Explanation:

Step1: List all vertical distances

First drop: $1\ \text{m}$
First bounce up: $0.8\ \text{m}$, first bounce down: $0.8\ \text{m}$
Second bounce up: $0.5\ \text{m}$, second bounce down: $0.5\ \text{m}$
Third bounce up: $0.2\ \text{m}$ (no further drop mentioned)

Step2: Sum all distances

$$1 + 2\times0.8 + 2\times0.5 + 0.2$$
$$= 1 + 1.6 + 1 + 0.2$$

Step3: Calculate total and round

$$= 3.8$$

Answer:

$3.8\ \text{m}$