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Glite Dictionary
exponential function

exponential function

1 6.8
A rule that gives a number by raising a fixed number to a variable's power
  • noun
  • /ˌɛkspəˈnɛnʃəl ˈfʌŋkʃən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : función exponencial
  • In many natural phenomena, the exponential function describes how quickly things can change over time.

If you have an exponential function, it will always get out of hand at some point.

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Examples

  • The exponential function f(x) = 2^x shows rapid growth as x increases.

  • The study of population growth provides many opportunities to apply the exponential function and the perspective of the doubling process.

    Academic text (1992)

  • If you have an exponential function, it will always get out of hand at some point.

    Computerphile

  • And so if you plot what that looks like, it's some exponential function with X, right?

  • Another interesting result holds for the derivative of the exponential function:

    Academic text (2002)

  • It's an exponential function with a growth of 1% per year, roughly nowadays.

    Blog text (10)

  • We dealt with exponential functions and you guys also learned about the reciprocal function.

  • At the same time, the socioeconomic context can bring life to the study of more complex concepts of the exponential function in the mathematics class.

    Academic text (1992)

  • Finally, a new data set, patterned in the general form of a positive exponential function, was created, and the entire process of evaluation, with and without outliers, was repeated (steps 1 through above).

    Academic text (1993)

  • Just as we use the math of the exponential function to explain the reason that the velocity addition law looks so obvious, we use the math of decoherence theory to explain why it is that using "elementary reasoning" is a flawed strategy.

    Blog text (29)

Synonyms

exponential
vsexponential function
  • Specialized
1 8.1

A function where a number is raised to a changing power like a^x

is the same meaning but is the fuller formal term

Antonyms

linear function
  • Specialized
1 4.7

A rule that makes a straight line on a graph

Surface Forms

exponential function singular
exponential functions plural

Morphology

exponential + function

The phrase is a regular adjective+noun composition: 'exponential' (relating to an exponent) modifies 'function' (a mathematical mapping), so the meaning 'a function where the variable appears in the exponent' follows directly from the constituents. Although mathematical/technical, the structure is compositional and mirrored in many languages, so a B1 learner who knows both words would be able to infer the meaning.

Etymology

Exponential function comes from the idea that the variable sits in the exponent, the 'power' a number is raised to. Imagine a small amount that doubles again and again and grows faster each time; that's why the name means a function that gives very fast, repeating growth.