TWO ASPECTS OF DIALECTIC IMPACT IN THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS OF A MATHEMATICAL CONCEPT: A CASE OF EXPONENTIAL FUNCTION

Abstract

            Exponential function has many applications in life, science, and technology. The process of exponential formation and function derives from the needs of human life. When complete, the exponential function has impacted and motivated other areas of life and mathematics. The article discusses the origin of the exponential function, which is from the need to calculate interest rates of the Babylonians. This problem has been built to be exponential function by mathematicians. When it was officially created, the exponential function affected many fields of science, engineering, and mathematics, in which the representation and prediction of future behaviors that change over time are characteristic of exponential functions. The exponential function is an illustration of the two aspects of a dialectic impact in the development of the mathematical concept.