TRAMPOLINE You are jumping on a trampoline. Your height \( y \) (in feet) above the trampoline after \( t \) seconds can be represented by \( y=-16 t^{2}+24 t \). How many seconds are you in the air?

To find out how long you're in the air, we need to determine when you hit the ground again, which occurs when \( y = 0 \). Setting the equation \( -16t^2 + 24t = 0 \) and factoring it gives us \( t(24 - 16t) = 0 \). This means \( t = 0 \) (when you start jumping) or \( t = \frac{24}{16} = 1.5 \) seconds. So, you're in the air for a total of 1.5 seconds before you come back down! Ah, the joy of soaring through the air! Trampolines have been around since the 1930s when they were originally designed for training purposes. Circus performers and astronauts would use them to practice flips and landings. The delightful bounce we enjoy today is a result of those early innovations, and they’ve evolved into popular recreational and competitive sports tools! If ever you find yourself jumping on a trampoline, remember to use your arms for balance and engage your core to control your movements! A common mistake is forgetting to prepare for landing; always aim for a gentle touch down and bend your knees to absorb the impact. This helps you avoid injury and ensures you’re ready for your next jump!