superscripts
Synonyms
Examples
A comma in subscripts and superscripts sometimes is omitted; it is also ambiguous notation.
A further complication is the use of numeric superscripts to distinguish neighboring stars that Bayer (or a later astronomer) labeled with a common letter.
Descartes introduced the use of superscripts to denote exponents as well.
For each of these key components he provides a letter designation (with superscripts to designate specific subtypes).
He also "pioneered the standard notation" that uses superscripts to show the powers or exponents; for example, the 4 used in x 4 to indicate squaring of squaring.
In cases where the set of indexing numbers is understood, the subscripts and superscripts are often left off.