Linear approximations are mathematical techniques that involve approximating a function with a straight line, typically around a specific point. This approximation is valid only for small deviations from the chosen point and is often used in calculus to estimate values of functions near a given point.
Exponential approximations, on the other hand, involve approximating a function with an exponential curve. This approximation is useful for modeling growth or decay processes, where the rate of change is proportional to the current value. Exponential approximations can be more accurate than linear approximations for certain types of functions and applications.