Question

A one-ton ice sculpture is melting so that it loses one-fifth of its weight per hour. How much of the sculpture will be left after five hours ? write it in pounds

Answer 1

Hey there! I see that you are new to openstudy.
This is a great website on getting help with questions
of any subject. It is a fun way of learning!
I wish you good luck on openstudy and dont forget to
read the http://openstudy.com/code-of-conduct
so you know the rules and regulations :)
Hope you have fun!

Answer 2

First convert 1 ton into pounds!

Answer 3

Google it if you have to, then find 1/5 of it by multiplying 1/5 by however many pounds it is.

Answer 4

But the answer is 655.36 lbs. I neec to use a geometric sequence for it

Answer 5

whaaat, alright im out. I only know how to approximate it. hopefully someone more helpful will come along :P

Answer 6

Kay, well thanks anyway

Answer 7

every hour it loses 1/5 ... so it keeps 4/5 each hour , the geometric sequence is
\[(\frac{4}{5})^t\]
when t=5
\[= (\frac{4}{5})^{5} = \frac{1,028}{3,125} = 0.32768\]
after 5 hours what is left is 0.32768 tons
now just convert to pounds

Answer 8

Ohhh, okay. Thanks

Answer 9

@wright16 "But the answer is 655.36 lbs". You must have posted an incorrect answer!

Answer 10

I get the same result as @dumbcow when I solve using the formula for exponential decay.

Answer 11

Yeah but take that and convert it to lbs. (Multiply by 2000) and you get 655.36

Answer 12

Where did you get that conversion 1 ton = 2000 lbs ?

Answer 13

I already knew a ton is 2000lbs

Answer 14

You are using the conversion for the Short Ton (US).

Answer 15

Yes