Question

A ball is dropped from a height of 3 m. After each bounce, it rises to 85% of its previous height. What is the total distance that the ball has travelled when it comes to rest?

Answer 1

We have the infinite geometric series: $a=2(3\cdot0.85), r=0.85.$

$$S=\dfrac{a}{1-r}=\dfrac{6\cdot0.85}{1-0.85}=34$$

The total distance that the ball has travelled when it comes to rest is

$$3+34=37(m)$$