how do I go about determing how many decibels would the loudness of machinery be reduced if it needs to be reduced by 44% using formula L= 10 log 1/1o

Question

anonymous · Answer

That formula doesn't make any sense.

anonymous · Answer

what is wrong with formula?  That is what I was given.  Possible answers are 3.57 decibels, 1.58, 2.52 or 1.93

anonymous · Answer

is that "1o" supposed to represent the intensity threshold?

anonymous · Answer

I believe so but not sure.  Have never worked with decibels before

anonymous · Answer

is 1o= to 10^-12W/m^2?

anonymous · Answer

Yes, but that should be 
$$\large I_0 $$
not $$\large 1o$$

anonymous · Answer

oh it looked like a 1 to me.  sorry

anonymous · Answer

I think what you can do is start with
$$\large dB=10 log_{10}(I/I_0) $$
and use
$$\large 0.56I$$
as the new intensity since that is 44% less than the original.