To determine the height reached by a ball thrown upwards at 40 m/s, the relevant equation is V^2 = u^2 + 2as, where u is the initial velocity and a is the acceleration due to gravity (g = -9.8 m/s²). The ball's velocity decreases to zero at its peak height, allowing for the calculation of displacement (s) using the equation rearranged as 0 = 40² + 2*(-g)*s. The time taken for the ball to reach this height can also be calculated using the formula t = V/g, where V is the initial velocity. It's important to note that the initial velocity (u) is 40 m/s, not zero, and that g is expressed in m/s². The discussion emphasizes correctly applying the equations of motion to find the maximum height.