Math & Science ⇒ unequal superscript heights

[php1ic]

Hi All,

If you compile the below MWE you will see that the superscript 2s are at different heights

Code: Select all

\documentclass[a4paper,11pt]{article}

\begin{document}
\[
E_{_{qp}} = \sqrt{\left(E_{_{sp}} - E_{_{F}}\right)^{2} + \Delta^{2}}
\]
\end{document}

I've tried using \left.\Delta\right.^{2} to raise the second 2 but it has no effect.
Also \Delta_{_{\vphantom{F}}}^{2} doesn't change it.

Any ideas how to get them to the same level? I would prefer them both to be at the height the second one currently is, but if it's simpler to have both lower that is OK.

Thanks

[gmedina]

Hi, php1ic

you could try something like this:

Code: Select all

\documentclass[a4paper,11pt]{article}

\begin{document}

\[
  E_{_{qp}} = \sqrt{\left(E_{_{sp}} - E_{_{F}}\right)^{2} + \Delta\rule{0pt}{8.45pt}^{2}}
\]

\end{document}

[localghost]

It requires a (mathematical) strut to get the desired result.

Code: Select all

\documentclass[11pt,a4paper]{article}

\begin{document}
  \[
    E_{qp}=\sqrt{\left(E_{sp}-E_F\right)^2+{\Delta\mathstrut}^2}
  \]
\end{document}

Note the additional braces for grouping.

The problem settles if you drop the unnecessary automatic adjustment of the parentheses.

Code: Select all

\documentclass[11pt,a4paper]{article}

\begin{document}
  \[
    E_{qp}=\sqrt{(E_{sp}-E_F)^2+\Delta^2}
  \]
\end{document}

Addendum:

Any ideas how to get them to the same level? I would prefer them both to be at the height the second one currently is, but if it's simpler to have both lower that is OK.

Isn't that the same? I've seen that after I posted my solution which would do the opposite and raise the second superscripted »2«. The code below lowers the first one and keeps the scaled parentheses.

Code: Select all

\documentclass[11pt,a4paper]{article}

\begin{document}
  \[
    E_{_{qp}}=\sqrt{\left(E_{_{sp}}-E_{_{F}}\right){}\kern-1pt^{2}+\Delta^{2}}
  \]
\end{document}

It only requires an empty group to neglect the height of the right parenthesis. The negative kerning is necessary to move the superscript closer. By the way, a very interesting technique to get small subscripts.


Thorsten

[gmedina]

It requires a (mathematical) strut to get the desired result...

Of course, I don't know where my head was when I proposed that hideous solution using \rule.

[localghost]

Of course, I don't know where my head was when I proposed that hideous solution using \rule.

Likewise sometimes.

[php1ic]

Thanks for the responses, I've dropped the automatic adjustment of the parentheses to get everything aligned.

I'll definitely remember the \mathstrut for the future.

Thanks again.