SOLUTION: The weight Wt grams, of radioactive substance remaining after t years is given by Wt=1000*2^-0.04t grams. Find the time taken for the weight to: a. halve b. reach 1% of its origi

Algebra ->  Logarithm Solvers, Trainers and Word Problems -> SOLUTION: The weight Wt grams, of radioactive substance remaining after t years is given by Wt=1000*2^-0.04t grams. Find the time taken for the weight to: a. halve b. reach 1% of its origi      Log On


   



Question 359107: The weight Wt grams, of radioactive substance remaining after t years is given by Wt=1000*2^-0.04t grams. Find the time taken for the weight to:
a. halve
b. reach 1% of its original value

Thanks :)

Answer by solver91311(24713) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


Your function:



is only valid if you start with a kilogram of a particular substance. The correct general formula for that particular substance is:



Where is the starting weight of the substance.

If we are interested in the time for the weight to halve, then:



Which is to say:



Take the log of both sides (any base is ok, but you should use either base 10 or base e because those are generally what is supported by your calculator)



Use the laws of logarithms



Divide by



The rest is calculator work.

Part b is done the same way, except:



John

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