Solve.
-One method to determine the time since an animal died is to estimate the percentage of carbon-14 remaining in its bones. The percent P in decimal form of carbon-14 remaining x years is given by
P(x) = e-0.000121x. Approximate (to the nearest whole year) the age of a fossil if there is 65% of
Carbon-14 remaining.
A) 1546
B) -34,499
C) -15,469
D) 3560

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

We need to solve for x in the equation:

0.65 = e^(-0.000121x)

Taking the natural logarithm of both sides, we get:

ln(0.65) = -0.000121x

Solving for x, we get:

x = ln(0.65)/(-0.000121) ≈ 3560

So the fossil is approximately 3560 years old, which corresponds to choice D.

Solve. -One Method to Determine the Time Since an Animal Died