Should you write $a_1^2$ or ${a_1}^2$?

Question

• 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.

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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

instead of

a_1^2

which transforms into

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?

Answer 1

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