FRACTION BRACKETS
Parentheses around LaTeX fractions: size and exponent scope
Examples checked with MathTexLab’s base and AMS math renderer · Display style
Braces group a command’s arguments without printing. Parentheses print visible grouping. When an exponent should apply to an entire fraction, put visible parentheses around that fraction and attach the exponent outside them.
Make the exponent scope visible
The example squares the complete quotient. By contrast,
\frac{a+b}{c^2} squares only the denominator. Both can render
successfully, so inspect the scope of the exponent rather than relying on
the absence of an error.
\left(\frac{a+b}{c}\right)^2Pair the sizing commands
\left( needs a matching \right) in the same
mathematical group. The delimiters grow around the fraction. Ordinary
parentheses are suitable when the expression is short and no automatic
growth is needed. Do not put one delimiter inside a fraction argument and
its partner outside that argument.
Use the right workspace
The Fraction Generator builds the quotient from its two fields. To add parentheses around the whole quotient, use Open in Equation Editor, review the import, then wrap the generated source there. Typing parentheses into only the numerator field surrounds only the numerator, not the complete fraction.
Inspect the destination size
Tall parentheses and a display-style fraction increase vertical height. Check line spacing when placing the exported image among text. Choose a compact style if the surrounding paragraph needs it, and test the image against its background. Delimiter sizing affects appearance; it does not evaluate the expression or change its domain.
Syntax reference
MathJax supported-command reference. The examples above are limited to the features described here; additional packages are not implied.
Continue with LaTeX Fraction Generator.