An exponential function is a function whose operation is a base with x as the exponent. Here int he function [tex]y = 2x^3[/tex] has a base of x and an exponent of 3. This is a polynomial specifically a cubic. An exponential in this function would be [tex]f(x) = 2(3^x)[/tex].
This is what you will get confused. Many people get confused with those kinds of functions as an exponential function. However, the exponent has to be a variable in order to be an exponential funciton\
