Sound Intensity: Reduce by 35 dB, Factor Calculation

[Faraz]

Homework Statement

If you install special sound-reflecting windows that reduce the sound intensity level by 35.0 dB , by what factor have you reduced the sound intensity?

Homework Equations

Δβ=10Log(I/I°)

The Attempt at a Solution

I°=10^-12
I=I°-35
35=10^1.5440680
(I/I°)={(10^-12)-(10^1.5440680)}/{10^-12} =-3.5*10^13
But this is wrong

 

[berkeman]

Homework Statement

If you install special sound-reflecting windows that reduce the sound intensity level by 35.0 dB , by what factor have you reduced the sound intensity?

Homework Equations

Δβ=10Log(I/I°)

The Attempt at a Solution

I°=10^-12
I=I°-35
35=10^1.5440680
(I/I°)={(10^-12)-(10^1.5440680)}/{10^-12} =-3.5*10^13
But this is wrong

Welcome to the PF.

I didn't follow some of what you did. Instead, start with substituting the -35dB into your first Relevant Equation:

-35dB=10Log(I/I°)

Now show the steps you use to solve for the fraction I/Io...

 

[Faraz]

-3.5=log(I/I°)
10^-3.5=(I/I°)
but still wrong

 

[berkeman]

-3.5=log(I/I°)
10^-3.5=(I/I°)
but still wrong

It should be right, IMO. Do you get about 1/3162 as the answer?

 

[berkeman]

Maybe the answer is supposed to be stated as "reducing the sound intensity by a factor of 3162..."?