Sales growth: The total sales S, in thousands of dollars, of a small firm is growing exponentially with time t (measured in years since the start of 2008). Analysis of the sales growth has given the...

Sales growth: The total sales S, in thousands of dollars, of a small firm is growing exponentially with time t (measured in years since the start of 2008). Analysis of the sales growth has given the following linear model for the natural logarithm of sales:

ln S = 0.049t + 2.230 .

a. Find an exponential model for sales.

b. By what percentage do sales grow each year?

c. Calculate S(6) and explain in practical terms what your answer means.

d. When would you expect sales to reach a level of 12 thousand dollars?