You are creating a new Word 2010 document that includes scientific content with formulas. One algebraic expression you need to type is “n squared plus 10”. Which character formatting style in Word should you apply to represent the “squared” part of n correctly in the expression?

Introduction / Context:
Scientific and mathematical expressions often require special formatting to represent exponents, subscripts, and other notation correctly. In Word 2010, character formatting options such as superscript and subscript are provided to make text appear slightly above or below the baseline. This question focuses on how to correctly display “n squared” in an algebraic formula within a Word document.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• You are working in Word 2010.
• You need to type the expression “n squared plus 10”.
• The visual requirement is that the exponent 2 appears raised above the baseline.
• You want to choose the correct Word formatting feature for this task.

Concept / Approach:
Superscript formatting raises selected characters above the normal text line and often uses a smaller font size, which is exactly how exponents such as squared or cubed are typically represented. Subscript formatting moves characters below the baseline and is usually used in chemical formulas or certain mathematical indices. Script languages like Javascript and VB script have nothing to do with Word character formatting. Therefore, superscript is the correct formatting style for “n squared”.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Type the letter n as normal text in the document.Step 2: Type the number 2 immediately after n to represent the exponent.Step 3: Select only the 2 character.Step 4: On the Home tab in Word, click the Superscript button, or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+= to apply superscript formatting.Step 5: Continue typing “ + 10” to complete the expression “n squared plus 10”.
Verification / Alternative check:
After applying superscript formatting, the 2 should appear raised above the baseline of the letter n and be slightly smaller, matching standard mathematical notation. You can compare it to textbook formulas or other mathematical content to confirm that it looks correct. Removing the superscript formatting should bring the 2 back down to normal baseline position, confirming that the superscript option is what creates the exponent effect.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B, subscript, would place the 2 below the baseline, which is suitable for chemical symbols like H2O but not for exponents. Option C and option D refer to scripting languages used in web or automation contexts and are unrelated to formatting in Word. They do not control text layout at all. Only superscript directly addresses the need to show an exponent over a variable in a Word document.

Common Pitfalls:
Some users try to simulate superscript by manually changing font size and raising the character using paragraph formatting, which is unnecessary and inconsistent. Others confuse superscript and subscript or forget where the controls are located on the ribbon. Remember that superscript is used for exponents and certain footnote markers, while subscript is used for indexes and subscripts in scientific notation.

Final Answer:
The correct formatting style is Superscript to represent the squared exponent in “n squared plus 10”.