# Nested exponents look too small

When I type $e^{\frac{\ln(r)}{2^{j}}}$, the output is:

In the exponent, the denominator looks like 2j (especially in normal font), but it is supposed to look like 2^j. How can I make the term 2^j look more distinguishable? More precisely, how to move the letter j "higher", so to speak?

I have tried \dfrac instead of \frac, but it doesn't give me the desired result.

Thanks for the help!

• The denominator of a fraction is always "cramped", by design. One could work around this, but how about instead, just writing $e^{\ln(r)/2^j}$? Oct 13, 2013 at 6:19
• @RyanReich: Ah! That's an excellent suggestion. Thanks :) Oct 13, 2013 at 6:31

I think you have two options:

• write the fraction in the exponent in inline form (with a / rather than with a horizontal bar), with or without pairs of inner parentheses; or

• don't use an exponent and write \exp ....

Your original form and the two alternatives look like this:

\documentclass{article}
\begin{document}
$e^{\frac{\ln(r)}{2^{j}}}$

$e^{(\ln(r)/(2^j))}$ or $e^{(\ln r/2^j)}$

$\exp\bigl(\frac{\ln(r)}{2^{j}}\bigr)$
\end{document}


For (much) more on the subject of why it may be a good idea to avoid fractions with horizontal bars in inline math expressions and in exponent terms, do check out the posting Guidelines for typesetting fractions.

• Thanks for the answer! I also looked at your nice answer in the linked page. It is very informative, and makes me realize that I have been overusing \frac and \dfrac a lot... Oct 13, 2013 at 6:41
• Perhaps I'd use $\exp(\ln r/2^j)$. The symbol is not ambiguous because operators bind more strictly than the division operation symbol. Adding parentheses around r may help (although I don't like it). Oct 13, 2013 at 13:27
• @egreg - I agree, those two inner pairs of round parentheses make the whole thing look a bit too busy. I'll post an augmented set of solutions.
– Mico
Oct 13, 2013 at 13:34