= Superscript
{title2=$x^i$}
A \b[superscript] is a component raised relative to a base expression, commonly also reduced in size. An <exponent> in $x^2$ is one use. The superscript in $f^{(k)}(x)$ can instead denote a <derivative> when that convention has been specified. The typographic position supports several meanings.
In <TeX>, `x^2` supplies one token as the superscript and `x^{n+1}` groups a longer expression. In <MathML>, `msup` lays out the base and superscript separately, with vertical placement and gap constraints.<MathML Core by World Wide Web Consortium>[Subscripts and superscripts: msup layout]{ref}
For example, the base and raised expression in
$$
x^{n+1}
$$
have different local baselines. A <mathematical typesetting style> determines how the raised expression is presented. When <subscripts> and superscripts are both attached, their mutual clearance also matters; independently moving each one without considering the other could cause a collision. An <OpenType MATH table> provides font-specific data used for these choices.
Back to article page
