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. Assuming you are back in 1993, by what percent-age do you estimate that Microsoft has grown each year, based on this historical data?

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. Search the Web for more recent Microsoft sales data. Then repeat the preceding parts using all the data.