# Bracket size in fraction differs between numerator and denominator

I need the following formula (simplified):

\frac{\left( e^l \right) }{\left( e^l \right) }


I get (from https://www.codecogs.com/latex/eqneditor.php and similar in my code):

I did not expect these parenthesis to have different size. It seems to be connected to the superscript l somehow.

Is this intended? Can I change this somehow to have the same size?

• In your example, you can replace the pair \left( \right) with \bigl( \bigr). In your real formula, if necessary , you also have the \Bigl/r, \biggl/r, \Biggl/r series. – Bernard Apr 16 at 9:05
• @Bernard Thanks, that is a workaround I can use. But shouldn't \left and \right choose the (right) size independent of being numerator or denominator? – Dobu Apr 16 at 11:40
• Very often, it is better to choose the size manually. Further, you can have line breaks or & in long or aligned equations with these \bigl, &c., which you cannot with \left \right. – Bernard Apr 16 at 11:45
• The reason for the different treatment of numerator and denominator in fractions is explained in this answer. (And really, it's not necessary to use the "larger" parentheses in this situation. The regular parentheses cover the expression adequately, and won't be misunderstood.) – barbara beeton Apr 16 at 17:13
• Ok, that's an explanation though I'm not sure I like the behaviour. I thought using left/right would spare me to decide every time which parantheses are the right. But apparently I have to fine tune a bit. – Dobu Apr 20 at 19:51