Final answer:
The initial exchange rate was approximately 1.3426 before the base currency appreciated by 8%.
Step-by-step explanation:
If the exchange rate between two currencies has increased to 1.4500, and the base currency has appreciated by 8% against the price currency, we can calculate the initial exchange rate. To find the original exchange rate before the appreciation, we divide the current rate by 1 plus the rate of appreciation (expressed as a decimal).
So, if the new exchange rate is 1.4500 after an 8% appreciation, the calculation would be: 1.4500 / 1.08, which gives us approximately 1.3426.
Therefore, the initial exchange rate between the two currencies was closest to option b, which is 1.3426.