What is the meaning of 'exp' in this math expression?

[ShawnD]

What does "exp" mean?

I have a math expression which has what appears to be a function called exp() and I don't know what it means. It's on this site right here http://www.nasatech.com/Briefs/Jan98/LEW16501.html

Here is the link to the picture of the expression itself.
http://www.nasatech.com/Briefs/Jan98/Images/LEW16501_eq.gif

Does anybody know what exp is?

 

[HallsofIvy]

"exp" means "exponential" function.
In other words, exp(x)= e^x. It's used when it is to much trouble or too expensive to Add superscript on top of superscript. The example you give would have a fraction in the exponent. Actually, nowadays, with computerized word processors, it's relatively easy to print complex expressions and you don't see "exp" as much.

Let's see if it works in "tex":

r= D[e^{\frac{-1}{RT}\frac{\partial G}{\partial X}}-1]

I wrote this originally, assuming that the question was only that "exp" seemed unusual. e^x is, simply, the number e (about 2.18) to the x power. It is the inverse function to natural logarithm.

 

[PrudensOptimus]

means experience :p

 

[Greg Bernhardt]

The exponential function is a function in which the output is a constant multiplied by the input raised to a power. Example: If y = e^x, then y = e^x = 2.71828... This output is a constant which is 2.71828... multiplied by the input. This constant is called Euler's number or Napier's constant.