# Exponential function

I have a problem creating an exponential function in equation mode in Latex. I would like to have this exponential function: exponential^((y^2)/4). Does anyone know have to do that? David

• Try $e^{y^2/4}$ – Benjamin McKay Jan 30 '15 at 14:18
• the first ^ has base l and exponent ( and the second ^ has base / and exponent 2 I would guess that is not what you intend, but I can not guess what function you did intend – David Carlisle Jan 30 '15 at 14:18
• When not in mode $e^{y^2/4}$ works fine, but it does not work in mode. – David Jan 30 '15 at 14:26
• As you were told on the previous question $ is for starting math mode, so you should not use it if you are already in math mode in equation – David Carlisle Jan 30 '15 at 15:27 ## 2 Answers In the equation environment, you shouldn't use the $ sign(*):

$$e^{y^2/4}$$


or

$$e^{\frac{1}{4} y^2}$$


should work.

(*) Except in such cases:

$$x=0 \text{ if x and y are nice people}$$

• the euler e should be upright, so \mathrm{e} or \exp(...) – MaxNoe Jan 30 '15 at 18:01
• e is a constant, therefore it should be upright. – MaxNoe Jan 30 '15 at 19:40
• @MaxNoe Upright e is a convention used in certain fields, but certainly not all. As pure mathematician I don't set it upright. Nor would I use \operatorname{e}, however I do use \exp(...) inline and on large expressions. – Andrew Swann Jan 31 '15 at 14:46
• Thank you for your help. In my case, I think all the e-expressions you gave me works perfectly well. Thanks! – David Feb 1 '15 at 8:11
$$e^{\frac{y^2}{4}}$$

• This is already covered in the existing answer. – egreg Feb 20 '18 at 15:02