the exponential model $a=834.8 e^{0.008 t}$ descibes the population, $a$, of a country in millions, $t$, years after 2003. use the model to determain the population of the country in 2003 .

Step 1 ：The exponential model \(a=834.8 e^{0.008 t}\) describes the population, \(a\), of a country in millions, \(t\), years after 2003.

Step 2 ：We are asked to determine the population of the country in 2003.

Step 3 ：In the given exponential model, \(t\) represents the years after 2003. So, to find the population in 2003, we need to substitute \(t\) with 0 in the model.

Step 4 ：Substituting \(t = 0\) into the model gives \(a = 834.8 e^{0.008 \cdot 0} = 834.8\).

Step 5 ：Final Answer: The population of the country in 2003 was \(\boxed{834.8}\) million.