Microsoft Calculator: What is the Exp Function Doing?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the functionality of the Exp function in Microsoft Calculator, specifically whether it serves as an exponentiation function and how it operates with the input numbers. The scope includes conceptual clarification and technical explanation regarding the calculator's behavior.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the Exp function does not perform exponentiation as traditionally understood, but instead multiplies the first number by 10 raised to the power of the second number.
  • Another participant clarifies that to calculate a power like 2^5, the x^y function should be used instead of the Exp function, which calculates 2 \cdot 10^5.
  • A participant questions whether the Exp function is related to exponentiation and the mathematical constant E.
  • It is noted that the notation "E" in the context of the calculator represents multiplication by 10 raised to the power of the second number, indicating a specific format for expressing numbers in scientific notation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of the Exp function, with some asserting it is not an exponentiation function while others clarify its specific operation. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the broader implications of its naming and functionality.

Contextual Notes

There are assumptions regarding the understanding of exponentiation and scientific notation that may not be universally shared among participants. The discussion does not resolve the potential confusion surrounding the terminology used in the calculator's functions.

Singularis
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When you use Microsofts calculator's Exp function it does not raise the number you enter exponenently it requestions another number and then does this

result = firstnumber * 10^second number

What is it doing?
 
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Well if you want to calculate for instance [tex]2^5[/tex] you should use the [tex]x^y[/tex] function not the Exp function, the Exp function calculates [tex]2 \cdot 10^5[/tex].

I hope that I understood what you meant.
 
Thanks for replying...
Is the Exp an exponention function? and is it to do with E?
 
Well this E stands for [tex]\cdot 10^{2nd nr.}[/tex], for example, 2E5 is the same as [tex]2 \cdot 10^5[/tex]. So it is for multiply the first number with 10 to the power of the second number(after the E).
 

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