In 1949, Washington was struck by a 7.1 magnitude earthquake on the Richter scale. It has been predicted that Washingt is due for a 9.0 magnitude quake. Using the Richter scale equation above, determine how many times more forceful the predicted earthquake would be, compared to the 1949 quake.

Algebra and Trigonometry (6th Edition)
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ChapterP: Prerequisites: Fundamental Concepts Of Algebra
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Problem 1MCCP: In Exercises 1-25, simplify the given expression or perform the indicated operation (and simplify,...
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**Understanding the Richter Scale and Earthquake Magnitude**

**Level 4: Advanced**

The Richter scale is utilized to describe the magnitude of earthquakes. The following equation represents how geologists calculate the Richter scale magnitude:

\[ \log (x) = \text{Richter scale} \]

where \( x \) represents the amount of force produced by the earthquake.

**Example Calculation**

In 1949, Washington was struck by a 7.1 magnitude earthquake on the Richter scale. It has been predicted that Washington is due for a 9.0 magnitude quake. Using the Richter scale equation above, determine how many times more forceful the predicted earthquake would be, compared to the 1949 quake.

**Solution Steps:**

1. **Convert Magnitudes to Force**

   For the 7.1 magnitude earthquake:
   \[ x_1 = 10^{7.1} \]

   For the 9.0 magnitude earthquake:
   \[ x_2 = 10^{9.0} \]

2. **Calculate the Ratio of the Forces**

   \[ \frac{x_2}{x_1} = \frac{10^{9.0}}{10^{7.1}} = 10^{(9.0 - 7.1)} = 10^{1.9} \]

3. **Determine the Multiplicative Factor**

   Using the value of \( 10^{1.9} \):
   \[ 10^{1.9} \approx 79.43 \]

Thus, the predicted 9.0 magnitude earthquake would be approximately 79.43 times more forceful than the 7.1 magnitude earthquake that occurred in 1949.
Transcribed Image Text:**Understanding the Richter Scale and Earthquake Magnitude** **Level 4: Advanced** The Richter scale is utilized to describe the magnitude of earthquakes. The following equation represents how geologists calculate the Richter scale magnitude: \[ \log (x) = \text{Richter scale} \] where \( x \) represents the amount of force produced by the earthquake. **Example Calculation** In 1949, Washington was struck by a 7.1 magnitude earthquake on the Richter scale. It has been predicted that Washington is due for a 9.0 magnitude quake. Using the Richter scale equation above, determine how many times more forceful the predicted earthquake would be, compared to the 1949 quake. **Solution Steps:** 1. **Convert Magnitudes to Force** For the 7.1 magnitude earthquake: \[ x_1 = 10^{7.1} \] For the 9.0 magnitude earthquake: \[ x_2 = 10^{9.0} \] 2. **Calculate the Ratio of the Forces** \[ \frac{x_2}{x_1} = \frac{10^{9.0}}{10^{7.1}} = 10^{(9.0 - 7.1)} = 10^{1.9} \] 3. **Determine the Multiplicative Factor** Using the value of \( 10^{1.9} \): \[ 10^{1.9} \approx 79.43 \] Thus, the predicted 9.0 magnitude earthquake would be approximately 79.43 times more forceful than the 7.1 magnitude earthquake that occurred in 1949.
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