The file P02_28.xlsx gives the annual sales for Microsoft (in millions of dollars) for the years 1984–1993, where 1984 = year 1.

a. Fit an exponential curve to these data.

b. By what percentage do you estimate that Microsoft will grow each year?

c. Why can’t a high rate of exponential growth continue for a long time?

d. Rather than an exponential curve, what curve might better represent the growth of a new technology?

e. Go to the Web and find more recent sales data for Microsoft. Then repeat the preceding parts using all the data.