2

Set 16: Exponential Functions (Advanced)

Explanation

Answer: A

A medication's concentration in blood decreases by 25% every 6 hours. Starting with 800 mg, how much after 24 hours?

A.

253.13 mg

✓ Correct
B.

200 mg

C.

400 mg

D.

150 mg

Detailed Explanation

Choice A is correct. Choice A is the correct answer. Apply the decay pattern. 1. Retention: Decreases 25%, keeps 75% = 0.75 every 6 hours. 2. Periods: 246=4\frac{24}{6} = 4 periods. 3. Formula: C(t)=800(0.75)t/6C(t) = 800(0.75)^{t/6} where t=24t = 24. 4. Calculate: C(24)=800(0.75)4=800(0.31640625)253.13C(24) = 800(0.75)^4 = 800(0.31640625) \approx 253.13. Strategic Tip: 4 periods of 75% retention = (0.75)40.316(0.75)^4 \approx 0.316. Choice B is incorrect because this assumes 75% loss, not retention. Choice C is incorrect because this is after 1 period. Choice D is incorrect because the calculation is wrong.

Key Steps:

The correct answer is 253.13 mg

Why others are wrong:
B: Choice B is incorrect and may result from a calculation error.
C: Choice C is incorrect and may result from a calculation error.
D: Choice D is incorrect and may result from a calculation error.

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