Half-life of Radioactive Substance: Solve Algebraically w/Logarithms

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The discussion focuses on calculating the half-life of a radioactive substance that decays from 3150g to 450g over 73 weeks. The correct equation to use is 450 = 3150 (1/2)^(73/T), where T represents the half-life. The solution indicates that the half-life is approximately 26 weeks. Participants clarify that the initial approach using logarithms was incorrect, emphasizing the need for the proper decay formula.

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If 3150g of a radioactive substance decays to 450g in 73 weeks, determine the half life of the substance to the nearest week. Solve algebraically using logarithms.

450=3150(x)^73
450/3150=x^73
73sqrt(450/3150)=x

Now, the only problem is the answer says it is 26 weeks. Any help is much appreciated.
 
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You're starting with the wrong equation. Try something like

[tex]450 = 3150 \left( \frac {1}{2} \right)^{73/T}[/tex]

where T is the half-life.
 

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