The population of the California black bear was approximately 36,000 and growing exponentially with an annual growth factor of 1.02. This can be modeled by the equation A = 36,000 (1.02)ᵗ. Estimate the population of bears after 14 years. Round to the nearest whole number and do not round until the final calculation.
a) 39,500
b) 37,400
c) 38,400
d) 40,000