1. **State the problem:** We are given the height equation of an object kicked from a platform: $$h = -4.9t^2 + 7t + 9$$ where $h$ is the height in meters and $t$ is the time in seconds. 2. **What is asked?** We need to find the height from which the object was kicked. This means finding the initial height at time $t=0$. 3. **Use the formula:** To find the initial height, substitute $t=0$ into the equation: $$h(0) = -4.9(0)^2 + 7(0) + 9$$ 4. **Calculate:** $$h(0) = 0 + 0 + 9 = 9$$ 5. **Interpretation:** The height from which the object was kicked is 9 meters. **Final answer:** 9 meters (Option D)