Estimating with Finite Sums

[SeekerOfDragons]

I can't figure out how the book came up with the answer to the following:

An object is dropped straight down from a helicopoter. The object falls faster and faster but its acceleration decreases over time because of air resistance. The acceleration is measured in ft/sec^2 and recorded every second after the drop for 5 seconds as shown:
T: 0 1 2 3 4 5
A: 32.00 19.41 11.77 7.14 4.33 2.63

Find an upper estimate for the distance fallen when t = 3

The book comes up with 146.59 feet but I can't figure out where it's coming from.

any help will be appreciated.

 

[Deleted member 4993]

I can't figure out how the book came up with the answer to the following:

An object is dropped straight down from a helicopoter. The object falls faster and faster but its acceleration decreases over time because of air resistance. The acceleration is measured in ft/sec^2 and recorded every second after the drop for 5 seconds as shown:
T: 0 1 2 3 4 5
A: 32.00 19.41 11.77 7.14 4.33 2.63

Find an upper estimate for the distance fallen when t = 3

The book comes up with 146.59 feet but I can't figure out where it's coming from.

any help will be appreciated.

We need to know - what method is being taught in this chapter.