SPS SPS SM Pure 2023 June — Question 13

Exam BoardSPS
ModuleSPS SM Pure (SPS SM Pure)
Year2023
SessionJune
TopicExponential Equations & Modelling

13. A treatment is used to reduce the concentration of nitrate in the water in a pond. The concentration of nitrate in the pond water, \(N \mathrm { ppm }\) (parts per million), is modelled by the equation $$N = 65 - 3 \mathrm { e } ^ { 0.1 t } \quad t \in \mathbb { R } t \geq 0$$ where \(t\) hours is the time after the treatment was applied. \section*{Use the equation of the model to answer parts (a) and (b).}
  1. Calculate the reduction in the concentration of nitrate in the pond water in the first 8 hours after the treatment was applied. For fish to survive in the pond, the concentration of nitrate in the water must be no more than 20 ppm .
  2. Calculate the minimum time, after the treatment is applied, before fish can be safely introduced into the pond. Give your answer in hours to one decimal place.