Should we add parenthesis to decimal numbers when raised to an exponent as the following: $$(0.26)^2$$ or we don't need to, so it should be displayed as: $$0.26^2$$
I always used the parenthesis in such cases for the following situations only:
1-When there is an operator ($\times$, $\div$, $+$, or $-$) or more between numbers/variables like $(3+1)^2$, $(2\times y)^2$, and $(3+2i)^2$
2-When there is a negative sign like $(-x)^2$ and $(-3)^3$
3-When there are more than one variable or a combination of variables and numbers like $(2x)^2$, $(xy)^2$, and $(2xz)^4$
I prefer not to add parenthesis when there is no need to, but I am not sure which format is the right one.
You can think of exponents as "functions that act on the previous single object". For example, $1-3^2 = -8$. Without any brackets, "$3$" is the first single object you come across. With brackets, $(1-3)^2 = 4$. Now the "$3$" isn't a standalone object, it's part of a bigger single object, $(1-3)$. Now let's think about decimals. $5.4^2 = 29.16$, and there's no ambiguity. This is because the "$4$" on the end isn't a standalone object, it's just a part of the entire number, $5.4$. With decimals there is no need for parentheses.