Zollege is here for to help you!!
Need Counselling
GMAT logo

When an Object is Dropped, the number of Feet N GMAT Problem Solving

Overview es 2Overview en 2RegistrationExam PatternPreparation TipsPractice PaperResultCut offmock testNews
Sayantani Barman's profile photo

Sayantani Barman

Experta en el extranjero | Updated On - Feb 2, 2023

Question: When an object is dropped, the number of feet N that it falls is given by the formula:\(N=\frac{1}{2}gt^2\), where t is the time in seconds since it was dropped and g is 32.2. If it takes 5 seconds for the object to reach the ground, how many feet does it fall during the last 2 seconds?

  1. 64.4
  2. 96.6
  3. 161.0
  4. 257.6
  5. 402.5

Answer:
Solution with Explanation:
Approach Solution (1):

The formula is given when the object is dropped from rest. So the distance it covers in the last two seconds will be the distance covered from start till 5 seconds – distance covered from start to 5-2 = 3 seconds

This step is essential as the object already has non-zero velocity when it is 2 seconds before it reaches the ground

Let the distance covered in the last two seconds be d.

\(d = 0.5gt ^ 2 - 0.5gt ^ {'2}\)
\(d=0.5g(t^2-t^{'2})\)

Where t = 5 seconds and t’ = 3 seconds
Hence

d=0.5*32.2*(25-9)
d=16.1*16
d > 256

Only slightly greater

Correct Option: D

Approach Solution (2):

N feet in last 2 seconds can be found here.
If we subtract N in last 5 seconds – N in last 3 seconds

\(N=\frac{1}{2}*32.2[16]\)
N = 257.6

Correct Option: D

Approach Solution (3):

Distance traveled in last 2 seconds = Distance traveled in 5 seconds – Distance traveled in 3 seconds
Distance traveled in 5 seconds = \(\frac{1}{2}*g*t^2=\frac{1}{2}*32.2*5^2=16.1*25\)
Distance traveled in 3 seconds =\(\frac{1}{2}*g*t^2=\frac{1}{2}*32.2*3^2=16.1*9\)
Distance traveled in 2 seconds =16.1*25-16.1*9 = 16.1*16 = 257.6

Correct Option: D

“When an object is dropped, the number of feet N that it falls is given by the formula: \(N=\frac{1}{2}gt^2\), where t is the time in seconds since it was dropped and g is 32.2. If it takes 5 seconds for the object to reach the ground, how many feet does it fall during the last 2 seconds?”- is a topic of the GMAT Quantitative reasoning section of GMAT. This question has been taken from the book “GMAT Official Guide Quantitative Review”. To solve GMAT Problem Solving questions a student must have knowledge about a good amount of qualitative skills. The GMAT Quant topic in the problem-solving part requires calculative mathematical problems that should be solved with proper mathematical knowledge.

Suggested GMAT Problem Solving Samples

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.

Ask your question

Subscribe To Our News Letter

Get Latest Notification Of Colleges, Exams and News

© 2026 Patronum Web Private Limited