Characterizations of the exponential function

The exponential function is a type of mathematical equation that uses a special symbol called an exponent. To understand the exponential function, think of it like an increase or decrease in the size of something. The size can be the speed of something like a car, or the value of something like money. Exponential functions can increase (going up) or decrease (going down) depending on the number that follows the exponent. A positive exponent will make the function increase, whereas a negative exponent will make it decrease. So an exponential function with a positive 3 would increase much faster than a function with a positive 1. In effect, it is like multiplying a number by itself and it increases or decreases quickly.