I am new to statistics. I have a set of independent data and dependent data (X,Y), where I would like to do an exponential regression to obtain its p-value and significant F (already obtained R2 and also the coefficients through mathematical calculation).

What is the natural evolution from the (X,Y) data to mathematically calculate those variables. Spent a week on the internet to study this but unable to find the right answer.

Often an exponential data, y=be^(mx) will be converted first to a linear data, ln y = mx + ln b . Then a linear regression will done on the converted data, obtaining its p-value etc. Assume we use a statistical tool such as Excel's Analysis ToolPak: Data Analysis : Regression, it will produce a result such as below,

I believe the p-value and Significant F value is representing the converted linear data and not the original exponential data.

Questions:

1. What is the approach/steps used by Excel to get the p-value and Significant F value for the converted linear data as shown in the statistic output in the image above? It is not clear in their help page or website.

2. Can the p-value and Significant F could be mathematically calculated for exponential regression without using a statistical tool? Can you assist to point me to the right link if this has been answered before.