The formula A=18.5 e^{0.1708 t} models the population of a US state, A, in millions, t years after 2000.
a. What was the population of the state in 2000 ?
b. When will the population of the state reach 26.6 million?
a. In 2000 , the population of the state was 18.5 million.
b. The population of the state will reach 26.6 million in the year .
(Round down to the nearest year.)