Pumpkin Distance Eebe01

1. **State the problem:** We are given the function $$b(x) = -0.003(x - 13.56)(x + 2.1)$$ which models the height of a pumpkin thrown by a bear robot as a function of horizontal distance $$x$$. 2. **Understand the problem:** The pumpkin lands when its height is zero, i.e., when $$b(x) = 0$$. 3. **Find the roots of the quadratic:** Since the function is already factored, the roots are at $$x = 13.56$$ and $$x = -2.1$$. 4. **Interpret the roots:** The root $$x = -2.1$$ is likely before the pumpkin was thrown (negative distance), so the pumpkin lands at $$x = 13.56$$ feet from the bear robot. 5. **Answer:** The pumpkin lands $$13.56$$ feet from the bear robot.