In a math document recently (a UK A level test paper from the EdExcel board), I noticed that the negative/minus sign was raised and aligned to the top of the number. I'm interested to know whether this is a local or regional habit, how common or widespread it is, and whether it's considered a good idea.
(The only anecdote I have about this habit is that a student queried the sign as if it were some kind of printing error...:)
Examples
$A$ and $B$ are points with coordinates $(5,2)$ and $(\vphantom 1^- 1, 4)$ respectively.
and
Given that $(x+2)$ and $(x-3)$ are factors of $f(x)$, show that $a=3$ and $b=\vphantom 1^- 10$.
(These are not from the same question.)