Answer:
The factor is 0.60
Step-by-step explanation:
we know that
The expression that model this situation is a exponential equation of the form
[tex]h=a(b^x)[/tex]
where
h is the height of the ball in feet
x is the number of bounces
a is the initial height
b is the factor
we have
[tex]a=80\ ft\\b=60\%=60/100=0.60[/tex]
so
[tex]h=80(0.60^x)[/tex]
Verify
First bounce
For x=1
[tex]h=80(0.60^1)=48\ ft[/tex] ---> is ok
Second bounce
For x=2
[tex]h=80(0.60^2)=28.8\ ft[/tex] ---> is ok
Third bounce
For x=3
[tex]h=80(0.60^3)=17.28\ ft[/tex] ---> is ok
therefore
The factor is 0.60