Choice B is the correct answer. The initial value is the coefficient $a$.

1. Identify: In $N(t) = ab^t$, $a$ is the starting amount.
2. Locate: $a = 2000$.
3. Verify: At $t=0$, $N(0) = 2000(3)^0 = 2000$.

💡 Strategic Tip: The number in front of the parenthesis is your starting point.

Choice A is incorrect because 3 is the growth factor (tripling). Choice C is incorrect because 6000 is the amount after 1 hour. Choice D is incorrect because it adds the parameters.