Arizona State University School of Earth and Space Exploration

 

Keyah Math Module 8, Level 2

Mathematical Content : Exponential and logarithmic functions, algebraic operations, graphs

Age of the Earth: Solution

Solve the equation

            0.0205 = eλt – 1,

with λ = decay constant for Rb-Sr = 1.42 x10-5, for t.

We present two solutions, one is algebraic, the other is graphic using the plot-solve applet.

Algebraic solution.

Solve img

            img

Take the natural logarithm of both sides and then solve for t,

img

img.

The gabbro is, approximately, 1,429 million years old.

Graphical solution.
 To solve the equation img, graph each side and determine the point of intersection.

(The graph shown below is copied from the Earth Math or Kéyah Math website Plot/Solve applet.)

img 

The gabbro is, approximately, 1,429 million years old.

 


This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant GEO-0355224. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.