Using Exponents in an Application

Algebra Level 2

Based on data collected in 2005 to 2010, an analyst models the number of hybrid vehicles sold in the United States, S, by the formula $S = 199 148(2.39)^n$ , where $n$ is the number of years since $2005$ .

Assuming that the growth rate was steady, estimate the number of hybrid vehicles sold in $2004$ to the nearest whole car.