Choice A is the correct answer. Model the tripling pattern.

1. Growth Factor: Triples means multiply by 3.
2. Time Period: Every 5 years, so number of periods = $\frac{t}{5}$.
3. Equation: $V(t) = 2000(3)^{t/5}$.
4. Verify: At $t=5$, $V = 2000(3)^1 = 6000$ (tripled) ✓

💡 Strategic Tip: Exponent = $\frac{\text{elapsed time}}{\text{period length}}$.

Choice B is incorrect because$3^{5t}$ grows much too fast. Choice C is incorrect because this is linear, not exponential. Choice D is incorrect because this triples every year, not every 5 years.