AMA Manual of Style (10th edition ed.) : A Guide for Authors and Editors

AMA Manual of Style Committee

Publisher:: Oxford University Press

Print Publication Date:: Mar 2007

Print ISBN-13:: 9780195176339

Published to AMA Manual of Style:: Apr 2009

DOI:: 10.1093/jama/9780195176339.001.0001

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Fractional Exponents vs Radicals

Chapter:: Mathematical Composition
Author(s):: Stephen J. Lurie

21.4.1 Fractional Exponents vs Radicals

Use of radicals may sometimes be avoided by substituting a fractional exponent: ${(a^{2} - b^{2})}^{1 / 2} instead of \sqrt{a^{2} - b^{2}} .$

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 $E = 1.96 \sqrt{\frac{P (1 - P)}{m}}$ fits within the text, but the centered

might be more easily understood.

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Fractional Exponents vs Radicals

Stephen J. Lurie

21.4.1 Fractional Exponents vs Radicals