SOLUTION: Suppose that a certain radioactive substance has a half-life of 20 years. If there are presently 2500 milligrams of the substance, how much, to the nearest milligram, will remain

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Question 159165This question is from textbook Elementary and Intermediate Algebra: A Combined Approach
: Suppose that a certain radioactive substance has a half-life of 20 years. If there are presently 2500 milligrams of the substance, how much, to the nearest milligram, will remain after 50 years? This question is from textbook Elementary and Intermediate Algebra: A Combined Approach

Answer by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Suppose that a certain radioactive substance has a half-life of 20 years. If there are presently 2500 milligrams of the substance, how much, to the nearest milligram, will remain after 50 years?
:
Using the half-life formula: A = Ao*(2^(-t/h))
Where:
A = final amt
Ao = initial amt (2500 mg)
t = time (50 yrs)
h = half-life of the substance (20 yrs)
:
A = 2500 * 2^(-50/20)
:
A = 2500 * 2^(-5/2)
:
Use a calculator to find 2^(-5/2) value
A = 2500 * .1767767
:
A = 441.94 ~ 442 mg