pre_text: Research and Development (“R&D”), Sales and Marketing, and General and Administrative (“G&A”) Expenses R&D, sales and marketing, and G&A expenses are summarized in the following table (in millions, except percentages): R&D Expenses R&D expenses increased due to higher headcount-related expenses and, to a lesser extent, higher acquisition-related costs, higher contracted services and higher discretionary spending. We continue to invest in R&D in order to bring a broad range of products to market in a timely fashion. If we believe that we are unable to enter a particular market in a timely manner with internally developed products, we may purchase or license technology from other businesses, or we may partner with or acquire businesses as an alternative to internal R&D. Sales and Marketing Expenses Sales and marketing expenses increased due to higher headcount-related expenses, higher discretionary spending and, to a lesser extent, higher contracted services and higher acquisition-related costs, partially offset by lower share-based compensation expense. G&A Expenses G&A expenses decreased due to a benefit from the $400 million litigation settlement with Arista Networks and lower contracted services, partially offset by higher discretionary spending and higher headcount-related expenses. Effect of Foreign Currency In fiscal 2019, foreign currency fluctuations, net of hedging, decreased the combined R&D, sales and marketing, and G&A expenses by approximately $233 million, or 1.3%, compared with fiscal 2018. In fiscal 2018, foreign currency fluctuations, net of hedging, increased the combined R&D, sales and marketing, and G&A expenses by approximately $93 million, or 0.5%, compared with fiscal 2017.
table: Years Ended
table: July 27, 2019 July 28, 2018 July 29, 2017 Variance in Dollars Variance in Percent
table: Research and development $ 6,577 $ 6,332 $6,059 $245 4%
table: Percentage of revenue 12.7% 12.8% 12.6%
table: Sales and marketing 9,571 9,242 9,184 329 4%
table: Percentage of revenue 18.4% 18.7% 19.1%
table: General and administrative 1,827 2,144 1,993 (317) (15)%
table: Percentage of revenue 3.5% 4.3% 4.2%
table: Total $17,975 $17,718 $17,236 $257 1%
table: Percentage of revenue 34.6% 35.9% 35.9%
question: Analyse this data from a financial earnings document. What was the percentage change in the total expenses between 2017 and 2018?