Lang, Serge − Basic Mathematics. Addison-Wesley Publishing Company Inc. 1st ed., 1971.

COMPLETE ANSWER KEY

T HIS PUBLICATION IS NEITHER OFFICIAL NOR AUTHORIZED .

This is a Complete Answer Key for the book Basic Mathematics by Serge Lang.
It was created with the sole purpose of helping students find a more or
less reliable source for solutions to the exercises proposed in the book.
NO FINANCIAL GAIN IS INTENDED HERE .

Created by Renato de Melo.

Email: [email protected].
Last modified: 2024-09-21

Part One ALGEBRA

1 Numbers
§ 5 . RATIONAL NUMBERS
A NSWERS TO S ELECTED E XERCISES
[The exercises with numbers in bold show answers to the 'selected
exercises' from the book itself; the others show my own answers.]
EXERCISES pg 039 (055)

1. Solve for a in the following equations.

3 3
a) 2 a = ⇔ a =
4 8
3a 35
b) = −7 ⇔ a = −
5 3
−5a 3 3
c) = ⇔ a = −
2 8 20

2. Solve for x in the following equations.

5
a) 3 x − 5 = 0 ⇔ x =
3
5
b) − 2 x + 6 = 1 ⇔ x =
2
2
c) − 7 x = 2 ⇔ x = −
7

3. Put the following fractions in lowest form.

10 2 3 1 30 6 50 10
a) = b) = c) = d) =
25 5 9 3 25 5 15 3
45 62 31 23 1 16 2
e) = 5 f) = g) = h) =
9 4 2 46 2 40 5

4. Let a = m / n be a rational number expressed as a quotient of integers m,

n with m ≠ 0 and n ≠ 0. Show that there is a rational number b such that
ab = ba = 1.

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 Lang, Serge − Basic Mathematics. Addison-Wesley Publishing Company Inc. 1st ed., 1971. COMPLETE ANSWER KEY

Let b = n / m (this is a rational number). Then ab = m / n ∙ n / m = 1;

ba = n / m ∙ m / n = 1.

5. Solve for x in the following equations.

a) 2 x − 7 = 21 ⇔ x = 14
11
b) 3 ( 2 x − 5 ) = 7 ⇔ x =
3
1 9
c) ( 4x − 1 ) 2 = ⇔ x =
4 32
1
d) − 4 x + 3 = 5 x ⇔ x =
3
5
e) 3 x − 2 = − 5 x + 8 ⇔ x =
4
1
f) 3 x + 2 = − 3 x + 4 ⇔ x =
3
4x 3
g) +1 = 3x ⇔ x =
3 5
3x 4 8
h) − + = 5x ⇔ x =
2 3 39
2 x−1 31
i) + 4 x = 10 ⇔ x =
3 14

6. Solve for x in the following equations.

3 x 50
a) 2 x − = +1 ⇔ x =
7 5 63
3 20
b) x+5 = −7x ⇔ x = −
4 31
−2 13
c) x = 3x−1 ⇔ x =
13 41
4x 3 69
d) + =2x−5 ⇔ x =
3 4 8
4(1−3 x) 11
e) = 2x−1 ⇔ x =
7 26
2−x 7 16
f) = x ⇔ x =
3 8 29

7. Let n be a positive integer. By n factorial, written n!, we mean the

product
1 ∙ 2 ∙ 3 ∙ ∙ ∙ n
of the first n positive integers. For instance,

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 Lang, Serge − Basic Mathematics. Addison-Wesley Publishing Company Inc. 1st ed., 1971. COMPLETE ANSWER KEY

2! = 2,
3! = 2 ∙ 3 = 6,
4! = 2 ∙ 3 ∙ 4 = 24.
a) Find the value of 5!, 6!, 7!, and 8!.
5! = 120; 6! = 720; 7! = 5,040; 8! = 40,320
b) Define 0! = 1. Define the binomial coefficient
m!
( mn ) =
n ! ( m − n )!
for any natural numbers m, n such that n lies between 0 and m.
Compute the binomial coefficients

( 30 ) ( 31 ) = 3; ( 32 ) = 3; ( 33 ) = 1;
= 1;

( 04 )
= 1;
( 14 ) = 4; ( 24 ) = 6; ( 34 ) = 4; ( 44 ) = 1;
( 50 )
= 1;
( 51 ) = 5; ( 52 ) = 10; ( 53 ) = 10; ( 54 ) = 5; ( 55 ) = 1.
The binomial coefficient m is equal to the number of ways n things can
(n)
be selected out of m things. You may want to look at the discussion of
Chapter 16, §1 at this time to see why this is so.
c) Show that

( mn ) = ( mm− n ) .

m!
( mm− n ) =
( m − n )! [ m − ( m − n ) ]!
m!
=
( m − n )! ( m − m + n )!
m!
=
( m − n )! n !
=
( mn )
d) Show that if n is a positive integer at most equal to m, then

( mn ) + ( n m− 1 ) = ( m n+ 1 ) .

m! m!
( mn ) + ( n m− 1 ) =
n ! ( m − n )!
+
( n − 1 )! ( m − n + 1 )!
[common denominator n! ( m − n + 1 )!]

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 Lang, Serge − Basic Mathematics. Addison-Wesley Publishing Company Inc. 1st ed., 1971. COMPLETE ANSWER KEY

m! ( m − n + 1 ) + m! n m! ( m + 1 )
= =
n ! ( m − n + 1 )! n ! ( m − n + 1 )!
( m + 1 )!
=
n ! [ ( m + 1 ) − n ]!
=
( m n+ 1 )
N OTE : The following approach details the process of finding the common
denominator snd subsequent calculations. Copied from the web page:
https://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?
title=Solutions_To_Mathematics_Textbooks/Basic_Mathematics/Chapter_1
&oldid=4316549

( mn ) + ( n m− 1 ) = ( m n+ 1 )
m! m! (m+1)!
+ =
n ! ( m − n )! ( n − 1 )! ( m − n + 1 )! n ! ( m − n + 1 )!
n m−n+1
Mutliply both sides of the equation by and , cancelling
n m−n+1
unnecessary factors to 1. We do this in order to achieve the denominator
n! ( m − n + 1 )! :
m−n+1 m! n m!
1 ∙ ∙ + ∙ 1 ∙ =
m−n+1 n ! ( m − n )! n ( n − 1 )! ( m − n + 1 )!
(m+1)!
=1∙1 ∙
n ! ( m − n + 1 )!
Use the fact that a! ( a + 1 ) = ( a + 1 )! and a ( a − 1 )! = a! to achieve:
m! ( m − n + 1 ) m! n (m+1)!
+ =
n ! ( m − n + 1 )! n ! ( m − n + 1 )! n ! ( m − n + 1 )!
m! ( m − n + 1 ) + m! n (m+1)!
=
n ! ( m − n + 1 )! n ! ( m − n + 1 )!
m! [ ( m − n + 1 ) + n ] (m+1)!
=
n ! ( m − n + 1 )! n ! ( m − n + 1 )!
m! ( m + 1 ) (m+1)!
=
n ! ( m − n + 1 )! n ! ( m − n + 1 )!
(m+1)! (m+1)!
=
n ! ( m − n + 1 )! n ! ( m − n + 1 )!
Hence,

( mn ) + ( n m− 1 ) = ( m n+ 1 )
3
8. Prove that there is no positive rational number a such that a = 2.
Suppose that there exists a rational number a = m / n, written in lowest

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 Lang, Serge − Basic Mathematics. Addison-Wesley Publishing Company Inc. 1st ed., 1971. COMPLETE ANSWER KEY

3 3 3 3 3
form, such that a = ( m / n ) = 2. Then m = 2n . Thus m is even, and
2
hence m is even (proof similar to the one about m and m). We can write
3 3 3 3
m = 2p for some integer p. Thus m = 2 ( 4p ). Going back to m = 2n ,
3 3 3 3 3 3
this yields 2n = 2 ( 4p ), that is, n = 4p = 2 ( 2p ). Consequently, n is
even and n is even. Thus both m and n are even, which is impossible.
4
9. Prove that there is no positive rational number a such that a = 2.
4 4 2 2 4
If a = 2, then a = ( a ) . But a is also a rational number, and
2 2
Theorem 4 shows that ( a ) = 2 is impossible.
2
10. Prove that there is no positive rational number a such that a = 3. You
may assume that a positive integer can be written in one of the forms 3k,
3k + 1, 3k + 2 for some integer k. Prove that if the square of a positive
integer is divisible by 3, then so is the integer. Then use a similar proof as
for √ 2 .
Suppose that there exists a rational number a = m / n, written in lowest
form, with m ≠ 0 and n ≠ 0, such that
2
m m2 2 2
a2 = ( )
n
=
n 2
= 3 ⇔ m = 3n ( I ).

2 2
Thus, m is divisible by 3, i.e., m = 3k for some positive integer k., and so
is m. To prove this, assume that any positive integer can be written in one
of the forms 3k, 3k + 1, 3k + 2 for some integer k. (The author shows this
proof in Part 1, Chapter 1, §4: Exercise 26). Consequently, the square of
any integer is either of the form 3b , which is divisible by 3, or 3b + 1,
which is not divisible by 3, as we prove next:
CASE 1:
2 2 2
q = 3k ⇔ q = 9k = 3 ( 3k ).
2 2
Setting b = 3k then q = 3b .
2
Consequently, both q and q are divisible by 3.
CASE 2:
2 2 2
q = 3k + 1 ⇔ q = 9k + 6k + 1 = 3 ( 3k + 2k ) + 1.
2 2
Setting b = 3k + 2k then q = 3b + 1.
2
Consequently, neither q or q is divisible by 3.
CASE 3:
2 2 2
q = 3k + 2 ⇔ q = 9k + 12k + 4 = 3 ( 3k + 4k + 1 ) + 1.
2 2
Setting b = 3k + 4k + 1 then q = 3b + 1.
2
Consequently, again neither q or q is divisible by 3.
2
Therefore, if m is divisible by 3, so has to be m. Then making m = 3k and
substituting in ( I ) above, we have

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 Lang, Serge − Basic Mathematics. Addison-Wesley Publishing Company Inc. 1st ed., 1971. COMPLETE ANSWER KEY

2 2 2 2
9k = 3n ⇔ n = 3k .
2
Consequently, n is divisible by 3 and so is n, as seen above. Thus both m
and n are divisible by 3, which is impossible from the definition of a above.
[N OTE : I searched through the Internet to find an appropriate answer to this
exercise but could not find a thorough and adequate one. This is the
best I could develop. If the reader knows any better answer, please
let me know by emailing me at [email protected].
Thank you very much.]

E XERCISES 11 TO 15: From the answers provided by the book, especially in

Exercise 14b, it seems that, according to the author, 'approximation' means
'closer', either lower or greater than the integer given in the exercise. The
Answer Key from the book gives only the rational number as a solution
(stressed in bold); the extra information is my own.

11. a) Find a positive rational number, expressed as a decimal whose square

approximates 2 up to 3 decimals:
2 2
a = 1.414 ( a = 1.999396 ⇔ 2 − a = 0.000604 ).
2
If a = 1.415 then a = 2.002225, which is farther from 2.

b) Same question, but with 4 decimals accuracy instead:

2 2
a = 1.4142 ( a = 1.99996164 ⇔ 2 − a = 0.00003836 ).
2
[N OTE : The original answer is wrong: a = 1.4141, but then a = 1.99967881,
2
lower than my answer above; if a = 1.4143, then a = 2.00024449,
which is farther from 2.]

12. a) Find a positive rational number, expressed as a decimal whose square

approximates 3 up to 2 decimals:
2 2
a = 1.73 ( a = 2.9929 ⇔ 3 − a = 0.00071 ).
2
If a = 1.74 then a = 3.0276, which is farther from 3.

b) Same question but with 3 decimals instead:

2 2
a = 1.732 ( a = 2.999824 ⇔ 3 − a = 0.000176 ).
[N OTE : The original answer is wrong: a = 1.7321, with 4 decimals, not 3; and
2
if a = 1.733, then a = 3.003289, which is farther from 3.]

13. Find a positive rational number, expressed as a decimal whose square

approximates 5 up to
a) 2 decimals:
2
a = 2.24 then a = 5.0176.

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 Lang, Serge − Basic Mathematics. Addison-Wesley Publishing Company Inc. 1st ed., 1971. COMPLETE ANSWER KEY

2 2
If a = 2.23 then a = 4.9729 ⇔ 5 − a = 0.0271, which is farther from 5.

b) 3 decimals:
2 2
a = 2.236 ( a = 4.999696 ⇔ 5 − a = 0.000304 ).
2
If a = 2.237 then a = 5.004169, which is farther from 5.

14. Find a positive rational number whose cube approximates 2 up to

a) 2 decimals:
3 3
a = 1.25 ( a = 1.953125 ⇔ 2 − a = 0.046875 ).

b) 3 decimals:
3 3
a = 1.260 ( a = 2.000376000 ⇔ a − 2 = 0.000376000 ).
3 3
If a = 1.259 then a = 1.995616979 ⇔ 2 − a = 0.004383021, which is
farther from 2; this solution shows that the author's idea of 'approximation'
is: either greater or lower, but closer.

15. Find a positive rational number whose cube approximates 3 to

a) 2 decimals:
3 3
a = 1.44 then a = 2.985984 ⇔ 3 − a = 0.014016.
3 3
If a = 1.45 then a = 3.048625 ⇔ a − 3 = 0.048625, which is farther
from 3.

b) 3 decimals:
3 3
a = 1.442 then a = 2.998442888 ⇔ 3 − a = 0.001557112.
3 3
If a = 1.443 then a = 3.004685307 ⇔ a − 3 = 0.004685307, which is
farther from 3.
[Note: The solutions to this exercise have been corrected thanks to
Mr Alexander Summers ( e-mail: [email protected] ).]
E XERCISES 16 TO 20: The book gives only the numerical solution to the
exercises (stressed in bold); the extra information is my own.
The basic concept in these exercises is that some amount is 'divided' by a
fixed percentage and the result is 'subtracted' from the initial amount, and
then the remaining amount is 'divided' and 'subtracted' again and again by the
same percentage; this is exactly the same rationale for compound interest
depreciation. The calculation of the remaining amount of mass is as follows:
Let m denote the initial mass of the substance, p the period of
decomposition, t the length of time required by the problem, n the number
of periods within the length of time required ( n = t / p ), d the percentage
of decomposition per period (remember that in this case it is a fraction),

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 Lang, Serge − Basic Mathematics. Addison-Wesley Publishing Company Inc. 1st ed., 1971. COMPLETE ANSWER KEY

and m f the remaining mass after t.

1. After the first period:

mf = m − m ∙ d = m(1−d)
2. After the second period:
mf = m ( 1 − d ) − m ( 1 − d ) ∙ d = m ( 1 − d )2
3. After the third period:
mf = m ( 1 − d ) 2 − m ( 1 − d ) 2 ∙ d = m ( 1 − d )3
n. After the n -th period:
mf = m ( 1 − d ) n

16. A chemical substance decomposes in such a way that it halves every

3 min. If there are 6 grams (g) of the substance present at the beginning,
how much will be left
1
a) after 3 min? p = 3 min ; n = 1 ; d = ;
2
1 1
mf = 6 ∙ ( 1 − )1 = 6 ∙ ( )1 = 3 g.
2 2
1
b) after 27 min? p = 3 min ; n = 9 ; d = ;
2
1 3
mf = 6 ∙ ( )9 = g.
2 256
1
c) after 36 min? p = 3 min ; n = 12 ; d = ;
2
1 3
mf = 6 ∙ ( )12 = g.
2 2048
17. A chemical substance reacts in such a way that one third of the remaining
substances decomposes every 15 min. If there are 15 g of the substance
present at the beginning, how much will be left
1
a) after 30 min? p = 15 min ; n = 2 ; d = ;
3
1 2 2 2 20
m f = 15 ∙ ( 1 − ) = 15 ∙ ( ) = g.
3 3 3
1
b) after 45 min? p = 15 min ; n = 3 ; d = ;
3
2 3 40
m f = 15 ∙ ( ) = g.
3 9
1
c) after 165 min? p = 15 min ; n = 11 ; d = ;
3
2 11 10240
m f = 15 ∙ ( ) = g.
3 59049

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 Lang, Serge − Basic Mathematics. Addison-Wesley Publishing Company Inc. 1st ed., 1971. COMPLETE ANSWER KEY

18. A substance reacts in water in such a way that one-fourth of the

undissolved part dissolves every 10 min. If you put 25 g of the substance
in water at a given time, how much will be left after
1
a) after 10 min? p = 10 min ; n = 1 ; d = ;
4
1 3 1 75
m f = 25 ∙ ( 1 − )1 = 25 ∙ ( ) = g.
4 4 4
1
b) after 30 min? p = 10 min ; n = 3 ; d = ;
4
3 675
m f = 25 ∙ ( )3 = g.
4 64
1
c) after 50 min? p = 10 min ; n = 5 ; d = ;
4
3 6075
m f = 25 ∙ ( )5 = g.
4 1024

19. You are testing the effect of a noxious substance on bacteria. Every
10 min, one-tenth of the bacteria which are still alive are killed. If the
6
population of bacteria starts with 10 , how many bacteria are left after
[N OTE : If one-tenth of those alive are killed, then nine-tenths remain.]
1
a) 10 min? p = 10 min ; n = 1 ; d = ;
10
6 1 6 9 5
m f = 10 ∙ (1− )1 = 10 ∙ ( )1 = 9 ∙ 10 .
10 10
1
b) 30 min? p = 10 min ; n = 3 ; d = ;
10
6 9 6 729 5
m f = 10 ∙ ( )3 = 10 ∙ = 7.29 ∙ 10 .
10 10 3

1
c) 50 min? p = 10 min ; n = 5 ; d = ;
10
6 9 6 59049 5
m f = 10 ∙ ( )5 = 10 ∙ = 5.9049 ∙ 10 .
10 10 5

d) Within which period of 10 min will half the bacteria be killed?

This item switches the unknown of the previous items from m f , which
10 6 5
now is known (half the bacteria, m f = = 5 ∙ 10 ), to the calculation
2
of n, the period within which half the bacteria will be killed. By
comparing the present value of m f to the previous results, it seems to be
between 50 and 60 minutes. To confirm this, the calculation of the next
10 minutes is necessary. Then we have

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 Lang, Serge − Basic Mathematics. Addison-Wesley Publishing Company Inc. 1st ed., 1971. COMPLETE ANSWER KEY

1
t = 60 min ; p = 10 min ; n = 6 ; d = ;
10
6 9 6 531441 5
m f = 10 ∙ ( )6 = 10 ∙ = 5.31441 ∙ 10 ,
10 10 6

which is higher than the half; therefore, the calculation of m f for the next
period ( t = 70 min ) is necessary. Then again
1
t = 70 min ; p = 10 min ; n = 7 ; d = ;
10
6 9 6 4782969 5
m f = 10 ∙ ( )7 = 10 ∙ = 4.782969 ∙ 10 ,
10 10 7

which is lower than the half. Hence, half the bacteria will be killed
BETWEEN 60 AND 70 MIN.

A more efficient and faster approach uses the decay rate in a coarse
calculation (mentally), and the formula above to confirm the result and
set a more accurate solution if necessary. It goes like that:
5
From the result of the previous item ( m f = 5.9049 ∙ 10 ), subtract one-
tenth (10%) with a one- or two-decimal approximation. From this result,
subtract one-tenth again, and repeat this operation until the result is
lower than the desired final amount (half the bacteria). The number of
times this operation is performed is added to the last period found in the
previous item. It goes like that:
( 1 × ) 5.90 − 0.59 = 5.31
( 2 × ) 5.31 − 0.53 = 4.78
The previous item referred to the fifth period of 10 min, adding two more
periods, we come to 7 periods of 10 min; therefore, half the bacteria will
be killed BETWEEN 60 AND 70 MIN.
The formula m f = m ( 1 − d ) n gives an even faster approach to solve
this problem in the case the previous period is unkown, but then the
calculation uses logarithms, which is discussed only in Part IV
Miscellaneous, Chapter 13 Functions, §5 Logarithms; therefore, at this
point, such an approach is inadequate, though useful. It goes like that:
1 5
n=?;d= ; m f = 5 ∙ 10 ;
10
6 9 5 6 9 5 9
m f = 10 ∙) n ⇔ 5 ∙ 10 = 10 ∙ (
( )n ⇔ =( ) n,
10 10 10 10
which is an exponential function whose logarithmic equivalent is
5
n = log 9
( ) .
10
10
By changing it to base 10, we get

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 Lang, Serge − Basic Mathematics. Addison-Wesley Publishing Company Inc. 1st ed., 1971. COMPLETE ANSWER KEY

5
log(
)
10 log 5 − log 10 ( log 5) − 1
n = = = .
9 log 9 − log 10 ( log 9) − 1
log( )
10
As log 5 ≅ 0.698 and log 9 ≅ 0.954, with a 3-decimal approximation, then
( log 5) − 1 0.698 − 1 0.302
n = ≅ ≅ ≅ 6.5652173913,
( log 9) − 1 0.954 − 1 0.046
then n ≅ 6.6; and, because t = 10n , then t ≅ 66 min. Hence, half the
bacteria will be killed BETWEEN 60 AND 70 MIN.
e) Within which period of 10 min will 70% of the bacteria be killed?
In this case, the second approach is fastest. Then we have: 70% of the
5 5
bacteria means 7 ∙ 10 , so m f = 3 ∙ 10 . From the result of the previous
5
item m f ≅ 4.78 ∙ 10 and n = 7, then

( 1 × ) 4.78 − 0.48 = 4.30

( 2 × ) 4.30 − 0.43 = 3.87
( 3 × ) 3.87 − 0.38 = 3.49
( 4 × ) 3.49 − 0.34 = 3.15
( 5 × ) 3.15 − 0.31 = 2.84
Seventy percent of the bacteria will be killed BETWEEN 110 AND 120 MIN .

As the third approach is the most useful, it must be shown.

1 5
n=?;d= ; m f = 3 ∙ 10 ;
10
6 9 5 6 9 3 9
m f = 10 ∙ ) n ⇔ 3 ∙ 10 = 10 ∙ (
( )n ⇔ =( ) n,
10 10 10 10
which is an exponential function whose logarithmic equivalent is
3
n = log 9
( ) .
10
10
By changing it to base 10, we get
3
log(
)
10 log 3 − log 10 ( log 3 ) − 1
n = = = .
9 log 9 − log 10 ( log 9 ) − 1
log( )
10
As log 3 ≅ 0.477 and log 9 ≅ 0.954, with a 3-decimal approximation, then
( log 3 ) − 1 0.477 − 1 0.523
n = ≅ ≅ ≅ 11.369565217,
( log 9 ) − 1 0.954 − 1 0.046
then n ≅ 11.3; and, because t = 10n , then t ≅ 113 min. Hence, 70% of
the bacteria will be killed BETWEEN 110 AND 120 MIN.

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 Lang, Serge − Basic Mathematics. Addison-Wesley Publishing Company Inc. 1st ed., 1971. COMPLETE ANSWER KEY

f) Within which period of 10 min will 80% of the bacteria be killed?

In this case, the second approach is also fastest. Then we have: 80% of
5 5
the bacteria means 8 ∙ 10 , so m f = 2 ∙ 10 . From the result of the
5
previous item m f ≅ 2.84 ∙ 10 and n = 12, then

( 1 × ) 2.84 − 0.28 = 2.56

( 2 × ) 2.56 − 0.25 = 2.31
( 3 × ) 2.31 − 0.23 = 2.08
( 4 × ) 2.08 − 0.20 = 1.88
Eighty percent of the bacteria will be killed BETWEEN 150 AND 160 MIN.

As the third approach is the most useful, it must be shown.

1 5
n=?;d= ; m f = 2 ∙ 10 ;
10
6 9 5 6 9 2 9
m f = 10 ∙ ) n ⇔ 2 ∙ 10 = 10 ∙ (
( )n ⇔ =( ) n,
10 10 10 10
which is an exponential function whose logarithmic equivalent is
2
n = log 9
( ) .
10
10
By changing it to base 10, we get
2
) log(
10 log 2 − log 10 ( log 2 ) − 1
n = = = .
9 log 9 − log 10 ( log 9 ) − 1
log( )
10
As log 2 ≅ 0.301 and log 9 ≅ 0.954, with a 3-decimal approximation, then
( log 2 ) − 1 0.301 − 1 0.699
n = ≅ ≅ ≅ 15.195652173,
( log 9 ) − 1 0.954 − 1 0.046
then n ≅ 15.1; and, because t = 10n , then t ≅ 151 min. Hence, 80% of
the bacteria will be killed BETWEEN 150 AND 160 MIN.

20. A chemical pollutant is being emptied in a lake with 50,000 fishes. Every
month, one-third of the fish still alive die from this pollutant. How many
fish will be alive after
[N OTE : If one-third die, then two thirds remain.]
(Give your answer to the nearest 100.)
1
a) 1 month? p = 1 month ; n = 1 ; d = ;
3
4 1 4 2 1 105
m f = 5 ∙ 10 ∙ (1− )1 = 5 ∙ 10 ∙ ( ) = ≅ 33,300 fish.
3 3 3

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1
b) 2 months? p = 1 month ; n = 2 ; d = ;
3
4 1 4 2 105
m f = 5 ∙ 10 ∙ (1− )2 = 5 ∙ 10 ∙ ( )2 = = 2 ∙ ≅ 22,200 fish.
3 3 9
1
c) 4 months? p = 1 month ; n = 4 ; d = ;
3
4 1 4 2 105
m f = 5 ∙ 10 ∙ (1− )4 = 5 ∙ 10 ∙ ( )4 = = 8 ∙ ≅ 9,800 fish.
3 3 81
1
d) 6 months? p = 1 month ; n = 6 ; d = ;
3
4 1 6 4 2 6 105
m f = 5 ∙ 10 ∙ (1−
) = 5 ∙ 10 ∙ ( ) = = 32 ∙ ≅ 4,300 fish.
3 3 729
e) What is the first month when more than half the fish will be dead?
5 4 5 4
Half the fish means ∙ 10 ; so m < ∙ 10 = 25,000. From the
2 f 2
results of the previous items, it will happen IN THE SECOND MONTH. ( n = 2 )
Applying logarithms:
1 5 4
n=?;d=
; mf < ∙ 10 .
3 2
Firstly, it is necessary to know when half the fish will be dead, so
2 4 5 4 4 2 1 2
m f = 5 ∙ 10 )n ⇔ ∙ (∙ 10 = 5 ∙ 10 ∙ ( )n ⇔ =( ) n,
3 2 3 2 3
which is an exponential function whose logarithmic equivalent is
1
n = log 2 ( ) .
2
3
By changing it to base 10, we get
1
log(
)
2 log 1 − log 2 0 − log 2 − log 2
n = = = = .
2 log 2 − log 3 log 2 − log 3 log 2 − log 3
log( )
3
As log 2 ≅ 0.301 and log 3 ≅ 0.477, with a 3-decimal approximation, then
− log 2 − 0.301 − 0.301
n = ≅ ≅ ≅ 1.7102272727,
log 2 − log 3 0.301 − 0.477 − 0.176
then n ≅ 1.71; and, because t = 1n , then t ≅ over one and a half months.
Hence, more than half the fish will be dead BEFORE THE END OF THE SECOND
MONTH.

[Note: The solution to this item has been corrected thanks to

Mr Alexander Summers ( e-mail: [email protected] ).]

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 Lang, Serge − Basic Mathematics. Addison-Wesley Publishing Company Inc. 1st ed., 1971. COMPLETE ANSWER KEY

f) During which month will 80% of the fish be dead?

4 4
80% of the fish means 4 ∙ 10 ; so m f = 1 ∙ 10 = 10,000. From the
result of the previous items, it will happen between the second and the
fourth months. Again, in this case, the second approach is also fastest.
4
Note that m f denotes the percentage of fish still alive, i.e., 20% ( 10 ), so
the calculation starts with m f ≅ 22,200 and n = 2.

( 1 × ) 22,200 − 7,400 = 14,800 > 10,000.

( 2 × ) 14,800 − 4,933 = 9,867 < 10,000.
80% of the fish will be dead BETWEEN THE THIRD AND THE FOURTH MONTHS.

Applying logarithms:
1 4
n=?;d= ; mf < 1 ∙ 10 ;
3
2 4 4 4 2 1 2
m f = 5 ∙ 10 ) n ⇔ 1 ∙ 10 = 5 ∙ 10 ∙ (
∙ ( )n ⇔ =( ) n,
3 3 5 3
which is an exponential function whose logarithmic equivalent is
1
n = log 2 ( ) .
5
3
By changing it to base 10, we get
1
log(
)
5 log 1 − log 5 0 − log 5 − log 5
n = = = = .
2 log 2 − log 3 log 2 − log 3 log 2 − log 3
log( )
3
As log 2 ≅ 0.301, log 3 ≅ 0.477, and log 5 ≅ 0.698, with a 3-decimal
approximation, then
− log 5 − 0.698 − 0.698
n = ≅ ≅ ≅ 3.9659090909,
log 2 − log 3 0.301 − 0.477 − 0.176
then n ≅ 3.9; and, because t = 1n , then t ≅ almost four months. Hence,
80% of the fish will be dead BETWEEN THE THIRD AND THE FOURTH MONTHS.
[N OTE : The original answer is wrong: Between 4 and 5 mo, but by the end of
the fourth month there are less than 10,000 fish alive, meaning there
is more than 80% dead.]

21. Every 10 years the population of a city is five-fourths of what it was 10

years before. How many years does it take
a) before the population doubles?
b) before it triples?
This excercise is somewhat similar to Exercises 30 to 33 in Chapter 1,
§3, except that now it is necessary to find the rate of growth; next, the

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 Lang, Serge − Basic Mathematics. Addison-Wesley Publishing Company Inc. 1st ed., 1971. COMPLETE ANSWER KEY

rationale is nore or less the same in order to perform a coarse calculation,

as follows:
5 4x 1x
Final pop ( x f ) = of the previous pop ( x ), so x f = + ;
4 4 4
1
Rate of growth: ;
4
Year 0 → pop = x ;
1x 5x 51 x
Year 10 ( 1 × ) → pop = x + = = ;
4 4 41
5x 5x 25 x 52 x
Year 20 ( 2 × ) → pop = + = = ;
4 16 16 42
25 x 25 x 125 x 53 x
Year 30 ( 3 × ) → pop = + = = ;
16 64 64 43
125 x 125 x 625 x 54 x
Year 40 ( 4 × ) → pop = + = = ;
64 256 256 44
625 x 625 x 3125 x 55 x
Year 50 ( 5 × ) → pop = + = = ; ... .
256 1024 1024 45
S OLUTIONS :
a) THE POPULATION DOUBLES BETWEEN 30 AND 40 YEARS.

b) T HE POPULATION TRIPLES IN 50 YR .

Note that the number of decades is equal to the exponents of the

constant coefficients of the ratio from the first period. The general
formula is:
Year 0 → pop = x ; r = rate of growth;
rx r x + r 2x r x ( r +1 )1
Year 10 ( 1 × ) → pop = + rx = = ;
r r r
r x (r +1) r [r x (r+1)]
Year 20 ( 2 × ) → pop = + =
r r
r x ( r +1 )2
= ;
r
r x ( r +1 )2 r [ r x ( r + 1 )2 ]
Year 30 ( 3 × ) → pop = + =
r r
r x ( r +1 )3
= ;
r
r x ( r +1 )n−1 r [ r x ( r + 1 )n−1 ]
Year 10n ( n × ) → pop = + =
r r

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 Lang, Serge − Basic Mathematics. Addison-Wesley Publishing Company Inc. 1st ed., 1971. COMPLETE ANSWER KEY

r x ( r +1)n
= = x ( r + 1 )n ,
r
the formula of a Geometric Progression. where r denotes the common
ratio.
Applying logarithms:
y
y = x ( r + 1 ) n ⇔ n = log r + 1 ( ) ,
x
where x denotes the initial population, y the final population, r the
population-growth ratio, and n the number of 10-year periods. By
changing it to base 10, we get
y
)log(
x log y − log x
n = = .
log( r + 1 ) log( r + 1 )
Substituting for the values from items (a) and (b):
a) y = 2x ; r = 1 / 4 ; t = 10n ;
log y − log x log 2 x − log x log 2 x − log x
n = = = =
log( r + 1 ) 1 5
log( +1) log( )
4 4
log 2 x − log x log 2 + log x − log x log 2
= = = .
log 5 − log 4 log 5 − log 4 log 5 − log 4
As log 2 ≅ 0.301, log 4 ≅ 0.602, and log 5 ≅ 0.698, with a 3-decimal
approximation, then
log 2 0.301 0.301
n = ≅ ≅ ≅ 3.1354166666,
log 5 − log 4 0.698 − 0.602 0.096
then n ≅ 3.1; and, because t = 10n , then t ≅ 31 years. Hence, THE
POPULATION DOUBLES BETWEEN 30 AND 40 YEARS.

b) y = 3x ; r = 1 / 4 ; t = 10n ;
log y − log x log 3 x − log x log 3 x − log x
n = = = =
log( r + 1 ) 1 5
log( +1) log( )
4 4
log 3 x − log x log 3 + log x − log x log 3
= = = .
log 5 − log 4 log 5 − log 4 log 5 − log 4
As log 3 ≅ 0.477, log 4 ≅ 0.602, and log 5 ≅ 0.698, with a 3-decimal
approximation, then
log 3 0.477 0.477
n = ≅ ≅ ≅ 4.96875,
log 5 − log 4 0.698 − 0.602 0.096
then n ≅ 4.9; and, because t = 10n , then t ≅ 49 years. Hence, THE
POPULATION TRIPLES BETWEEN 40 AND 50 YEARS, OR IN ALMOST 50 YR.

Chapter 1 - § 5 Page 16 out of 16