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  • I originally posted this on TexStackExchange, but someone advised me to post it here.

  • I apologize in advance if this is a duplicate, but I have looked and found no similar question.

We consider a $n$-tuple $(a_1,\ldots,a_n)$, and we want to square the first component $a_1$.

I read a long time ago that the correct way to do that is to write

{a_1}^2

which transforms into

enter image description here

instead of

a_1^2

which transforms into

enter image description here

But someone just told me that everybody writes

a_1^2

so it is not a good idea to write otherwise, to avoid confusion with others.

Considering this, what would be the best way to write it according to you?

E. Joseph
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    I write $a_1^2$ all the time. I'm not really conscious about it, especially when reading, so I can't say that I've explicitly noticed what other people do, though. I guess that's an argument for "It's up to you, as long as it's readable and reasonably unambiguous". – Arthur Mar 27 '18 at 13:16
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    You should consider more general exponents, like $a_1^{22222222222222222}$. Then the first seems better. – Dietrich Burde Mar 27 '18 at 13:16
  • Use $\left(a_1\right)^2$. Always. – Taladris Mar 27 '18 at 13:17

1 Answers1

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It shouldn't matter either way, its pretty obvious what you're indicating regardless of which way you write it.

Numb3r5
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