Question

A sample of bacteria is decaying according to a half-life model. If the sample begins with 700 bacteria, and after 10 minutes there are 140 bacteria, after how many minutes will there be 40 bacteria remaining? Round your answer to the nearest whole number.

Answer 1

Answer:

18 minutes

Step-by-step explanation:

A = A₀ (½)^(t / T)

where A is the final amount,

A₀ is the initial amount,

t is the time,

and T is the half life.

A = 140 when t = 10.  Solve for the half life:

140 = 700 (½)^(10 / T)

0.2 = ½^(10 / T)

log 0.2 = (10 / T) log 0.5

10 / T = 2.32

T = 4.31

When A = 40, t is:

40 = 700 (½)^(t / 4.31)

0.057 = ½^(t / 4.31)

log 0.057 = (t / 4.31) log 0.5

t / 4.31 = 4.13

t = 17.8

Rounded to the nearest whole number, it takes 18 minutes.