3

Set 14: Exponential Functions

Explanation

Answer: A

A drug has a half-life of 4 hours. A patient takes 600 mg. How much remains after 12 hours?

A.

75 mg

✓ Correct
B.

150 mg

C.

300 mg

D.

37.5 mg

Detailed Explanation

Choice A is correct. Choice A is the correct answer. Use half-life calculation. 1. Half-lives: 124=3\frac{12}{4} = 3 half-lives. 2. Remaining: 600×(12)3=600×18=75600\times (\frac{1}{2})^3 = 600 \times \frac{1}{8} = 75 mg. 3. Formula: A(t)=600(0.5)t/4A(t) = 600(0.5)^{t/4}. Strategic Tip: 3 half-lives = 18\frac{1}{8} of original amount. Choice B is incorrect because this is after 2 half-lives (8 hours). Choice C is incorrect because this is after 1 half-life (4 hours). Choice D is incorrect because this would be after 4 half-lives (16 hours).

Key Steps:

The correct answer is 75 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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