AMA Manual of Style (10th 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):: Cheryl Iverson,
Stacy Christiansen,
Annette Flanagin,
Phil B. Fontanarosa,
Richard M. Glass,
Brenda Gregoline,
Stephen J. Lurie,
Harriet S. Meyer,
Margaret A. Winker,
Roxanne K. Young

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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AMA Manual of Style Committee

Fractional Exponents vs Radicals

Cheryl Iverson,

Stacy Christiansen,

Annette Flanagin,

Phil B. Fontanarosa,

Richard M. Glass,

Brenda Gregoline,

Stephen J. Lurie,

Harriet S. Meyer,

Margaret A. Winker,

Roxanne K. Young

21.4.1 Fractional Exponents vs Radicals