8

We may notice that the numerator and denominator in the following fraction are not aligned. And, to me it does not look good.

How to align the numerator and denominator?

\documentclass{article}

\usepackage{amsmath,mathrsfs,xcolor,mathtools}

\let\xoverline\overline % supply your definition

\begin{document}

\begin{equation}
\dfrac{1-k^{m+n+d}}{1-k}
\end{equation}
\end{document}

The above yields:

enter image description here

10
  • 5
    Not a real improvement, but here it is: \frac{1-k^{m+n+d}}{1-k^{\hphantom{m+n+d}}}
    – egreg
    Sep 25, 2012 at 8:52
  • @student What is the easiest way to do that?
    – User 17670
    Sep 25, 2012 at 9:25
  • In my opinion, aligning them is not a good idea, since the terms are importantly different. As well, as @egreg points out, the "aligned" result is not much good nicer. You can maybe shift the denominator just slightly: \dfrac{1-k^{m+n+d}}{1-k\quad} But I'm not sure it looks nicer than the default one.
    – yo'
    Sep 25, 2012 at 9:42
  • 2
    @tohecz I'd definitely use the default centering.
    – egreg
    Sep 25, 2012 at 9:43
  • 1

1 Answer 1

8

Here's a comparison of the proposed solutions; the name next to the fraction doesn't necessarily denote the suggestion author's preference.

\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{amsmath}
\usepackage{mathtools}
\begin{document}
\makebox[2in][l]{1. Original}$\dfrac{1-k^{m+n+d}}{1-k}$

\bigskip

\makebox[2in][l]{2. egreg}$\dfrac{1-k^{m+n+d}}{1-k^{\hphantom{m+n+d}}}$

\bigskip

\makebox[2in][l]{3. projetmbc}$\dfrac{1-k^S}{1-k}, \text{ with $S=m+n+d$}$

\bigskip

\makebox[2in][l]{4. Peter Grill}$\dfrac{1-k^{\mathrlap{m+n+d}}}{1-k}$


\end{document}

Take your pick.

enter image description here

Everybody can add here their personal preference.

  • egreg: version 1 (with an eye to 3)

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