Intermediate Algebra (6th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321785045
ISBN 13: 978-0-32178-504-6

Chapter 9 - Section 9.4 - Exponential Growth and Decay functions - Exercise Set - Page 565: 25

Answer

There will around $4.9$ grams left out of the 30-gram sample after 250 years.

Work Step by Step

This is about half-life so it involves exponential decay. RECALL: Exponential decay is represented by the formula $y=C(1-r)^x$ where C = initial/original amount r = decay rate x = number of time intervals The given situation has: C = 30 grams r = $50\%$ per 96 years x = $\frac{250}{96} = \frac{125}{48}$ Substitute these values into the given formula above to have: $y=30(1-50\%)^{\frac{125}{48}} \\y=30(1-0.5)^{\frac{125}{48}} \\y=30(0.5^{\frac{125}{48}}) \\y \approx 4.9$
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