We are given the function that models a deer population:
[tex]f(x)=40(0.9)^x[/tex]Where x is the years since the study started. If we want to know the initial population, we want to find the population at x = 0 years.
Thus:
[tex]f(0)=40(0.9)^0=40\cdot1=40[/tex]The correct answer is option b. 40