Final answer:
To find approximately how many years it will take until 50 ounces of the radioactive substance remains, we can set y to 50 in the equation y=2000e^(-0.00043t) and solve for t.
Step-by-step explanation:
The given equation, y=2000e^(-0.00043t), models the amount of radioactive substance left after t years.
To find approximately how many years it will take until 50 ounces of the substance remains, we can set y to 50 and solve for t.
First, plug in 50 for y in the equation: 50 = 2000e^(-0.00043t)
Divide both sides by 2000: e^(-0.00043t) = 0.025
Take the natural logarithm of both sides: ln(e^(-0.00043t)) = ln(0.025)
Using the property of logarithms, the exponent can be brought down as a coefficient: -0.00043t = ln(0.025)
Finally, divide both sides by -0.00043 to solve for t: t = ln(0.025) / -0.00043
Using a calculator, we find that t is approximately 5571.85 years.