From the question, you can see that there is an increase in the number of population as the year increses. The exponential equation to represent this scenario is expressed as;
P(t) = P0e^kt
k is the constant of variation
P0 is the initial population
P(t) is the population after some time t
From the question;
We are given P0 =500
If in 1996, about 3550 participated in the Summer Olympics in Atlanta, this means;
at t = 11 (number of years between 1985 and 1996), P(t) = 3550
Substitute into the formula;
3550 = 500e^11k
find k;
Divide both sides by 500
3550/500 = 500e^11k/500
7.1 = e^11k
Apply ln to both sides
ln 7.1 = lne^11k
ln 7.1 = 11k
k = ln 7.1/11
k = 1.9601/11
k = 0.17819
k = 0.18
The resulting exponential equation will be;
P(t) = 500e^0.18t
The correct option is A. k = 0,18; P(t) = 500e^0.18t