Use of radicals may sometimes be avoided by substituting a fractional exponent: (a2−b2)1/2instead of a2−b2.As with unstacking fractions, if clarity is sacrificed by making the equation fit within the text, it is preferable to set it off. For example, E = 1.96 {[P (1 − P)]/m}1/2 fits within the text, but the centered E=1.96P(1−P)mfits within the text, but the centeredmight be more easily understood.A negative exponent denotes the reciprocal of the expression, as illustrated in these examples: x−n= 1/xn A−1 = 1/A B−2 = 1/B2A negative exponent may simplify some expressions within running text:A(x+y)2 may also be written as A(x+y)-2 or A/(x+y)2The term log is an abbreviation of logarithm. A system ...
Less