A polynomial function can model the height of a falling object over time. For instance, the function $h(t) = -16t^2 + 150$ describes the height in feet of a stone $t$ seconds after it is dropped from a cliff that is $150$ feet tall. To find the initial height of the object—the height at the exact moment it is dropped—evaluate the function at $t = 0$ seconds. Substituting $0$ for $t$ gives $h(0) = -16(0)^2 + 150$. The squared term becomes $0$, and multiplying by $-16$ still yields $0$. Adding $150$ results in $150$. Thus, the initial height is $150$ feet, confirming it matches the height of the cliff.