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Subject:Re: Exponents before superscripting From:"Kristine J. Olberg" <kjolberg -at- IX -dot- NETCOM -dot- COM> Date:Sat, 5 Apr 1997 12:13:49 -0600
Both of the alternatives you suggested (1/cm**4 and 1/cm^4) are valid in
the context of programming. I have seen both of these methods used by
compilers.
I have a few questions: where do you need to put this? On a user interface?
In hardcopy? In softcopy? The method you use depends on where. As another
responder suggested, you can fake a superscript by rolling the platen half
a notch to the "north." But that method won't work if you're trying to
display it on the screen.
Another question: who is the audience for this information? Is it
programmers? Math literate readers? Once again, your audience should help
dictate your method.
Another question: who is lobbying against the alternatives you suggested?
Are they other writers? Application programmers?
Regards...Kris
----------------------------------
kris -at- olberg -dot- com
kolberg -at- actamed -dot- com
----------
> From: Robbie Rupel <robbie -at- CMS-STL -dot- COM>
> To: TECHWR-L -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU
> Subject: Exponents before superscripting
> Date: Friday, April 04, 1997 3:45 PM
>
> Greetings!
>
> I have an unusual question. Back in the "old" days when typewriters
> ruled, how were superscripts represented?
>
> Scenario: We need to include inverse units on an index. The denominator
> contains a superscript (integer exponent to be exact). The application
> can not handle superscripts or subscripts, so we need to find another
> way. (FYI, the interface will be changed, but not in time for this
> release.)
>
> The following have been suggested (and have been argued against) so far:
>
> 1/cm**4
> 1/cm^4
>
> All of the references on my desk assume access to superscripting
> capabilities. Any suggestions or leads to a definitive answer would be
> appreciated. Thanks, and have a good weekend!
>
> --
> Robbie Rupel
> Lead Technical Writer
> Computerized Medical Systems, Inc. (http://www.cms-stl.com)
> robbie -at- cms-stl -dot- com
>
> "Pardon me for saying so, but knowing what something isn't
> doesn't exactly tell us what something is...." -Eeyore
>
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