Answer:
An exponential function is written in the form of f(x) = a (b)x. When we want to find an initial value of 500, it means that when x = 0, then y must equal 500. So, you plug in 0 to x in the exponential function, which leaves you with f(0) = a. Then, since f(0) = 500, that means a = 500
Hope this will help! =)
Explanation: