If you have a function whose name ends with a subscript, like “f subscript a (x)”, and you want to write the first derivative using an apostrophe to indicate “prime”, do you put the apostrophe before the subscript (which seems logically wrong) or after the subscript (which means its glyph looks tiny and isolated)?
I’ve seen it either way, but also frequently in the same position, i.e. neither one is “first” (using LaTeX, for instance).
I assume that you’re talking plain text, because in Latex, it gets typeset correctly either way.
My solution when writing emails is to write (f_a)’ [where f_a mimics the Latex code to write “f subscript a”], which seems to me to be more aesthetically pleasing that either f’_a or f_a’, exactly for the reasons you write, not to mention eliminating the risk of ambiguity.
In more general terms, you drop the subscripting before you put the apostrophe in. No need to have the apostrophe subscripted, and it’s not like you’re forced to do it that way.
I’m talking Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, limited to Arial or Courier New or Symbol. Generally my audience wouldn’t know Latex and writing something suggestive of Latex code would miss them entirely.
I’m leaning toward “fa’(x)” where the “a” is subscripted, based on Bosstone - thanks!
In at least the more recent versions of these, you can insert reasonable-looking inline equations. (It’s not LaTeX quality, but it’s better than formatted text.)
Here’s what it could look like (made with Word 2007) :
Example equation
Word 2007 is better than previous versions, but older versions of Word and PowerPoint both have the option as well. Select “Insert Object”, then choose “Microsoft Equation 3.0”. It’s slow to use (which isn’t too bad if you don’t have much math), but does support simultaneous superscripting and subscripting.
Hey, Pasta, you’re right, that DOESN’T look too bad! Thanks for the tip!