Question

The amount of a radioactive isotope decays in half every year. The amount of the isotope can be modeled by f(x) = 346(one half)x and f(1) = 173. What does the 173 represent?

The starting amount of the isotope
The amount of the isotope after one year
The rate the isotope decreases
The number of years that have passed

Answer 1

B. The amount of the isotope after one year

Answer 2

Option B is the correct option.

Explanation:

If amount of a radioactive isotope decays in half every year and it can be modeled by
`f(x) = 346((1)/(2))^(x)` then we have to tell what does f(1) = 173 represent.

In the formula given
`((1)/(2))^(x)` represents the half life of the isotope and 346 is the amount of isotope taken initially.

Therefore f(1) = 173 represents the amount of isotope remained after one year.

Option B is the correct answer.