a radio active element follows the law of exponential change and has a half-life of 38

hours. how long will it take for 90% of the radioactivity of the element to be
dissipated ?

Following exponential change

x=xoektx=xoekt
After 38 hours, 50% is dissipated, hence 50% retained

0.5xo=xoe38k0.5xo=xoe38k
0.5=e38k0.5=e38k
ek=0.51/38ek=0.51/38
Thus,

x=xo0.5t/38x=xo0.5t/38
90% dissipated means 10% retained, hence, x = 0.10xo

0.10xo=xo0.5t/380.10xo=xo0.5t/38
0.10=0.5t/380.10=0.5t/38
t=126.23 hrs
You can also use exponential STAT in your calculator:
CASIO fx-991ES PLUS: [MODE]
X (time)

[3:Stat]

[5:e^X]

Y (% retained)

38

0.5

[AC]
For 10% retained:
X (time) = 0.1x-caret = 126.23 hours
x-caret can be found at [Shift]

[1:Stat]

[5:Reg]

[4:x-caret]