How do I use numeric solvers to solve for t?

For my project I have to use a numeric solver to solve an equation for it's unknown variable, t. There's 5 equations total and some are longer than others so I'll just use the easiest one as an example.

exp(-0.0287*t)=(1/2)

How would I make MATLAB solve this equation for me? Thank you.

(I realize that I can do this by hand, but my project REQUIRES me to do it on MATLAB)

[Star Strider]

Context — Mathematical Model for eliminating pollutes from the great lakes. (I need coding help)

Answer 1

[Roger Stafford]

You don't need matlab to solve that equation for t.

exp(-0.0287*t)=(1/2)
-0.0287*t = log(1/2) = -log(2)
t = log(2)/0.0287

You should ask about more difficult equations than that.

[Matthew Orsie]

I can do it by hand but my project literally REQUIRES me to do it this way.

Answer 2

[Walter Roberson]

f = @(t) exp(-0.0287*t);
x0 = rand();  %starting point
fzero( @(t) f(t) - 1/2, x0)