Problem

Use a calculator with a $y^{\mathrm{x}}$ key or a $\wedge$ key to solve the following.
The exponential function $f(x)=540(1.032)^{x}$ models the population of a country, $f(x)$, in millions, $x$ years after 1968. Complete parts (a) - (e).
a. Substitute 0 for $x$ and, without using a calculator, find the country's population in 1968.
The country's population in 1968 was $\square$ million.

Answer

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Answer

\(\boxed{540}\) million is the final answer.

Steps

Step 1 :The exponential function \(f(x)=540(1.032)^{x}\) models the population of a country, \(f(x)\), in millions, \(x\) years after 1968.

Step 2 :We are asked to find the country's population in 1968, which corresponds to \(x=0\) in the function.

Step 3 :Substituting \(x=0\) into the function, we get \(f(0)=540(1.032)^{0}\).

Step 4 :Since any number raised to the power of 0 is 1, the population in 1968 is \(540*1=540\) million.

Step 5 :\(\boxed{540}\) million is the final answer.

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