Omitting subscripts in proofs/equations in math/computer science papers I am writing a paper that is in two column format, and I am working on a proof that I am having trouble making readable in the two column format.
Specifically, I am working with subscripts such as t-1, t, and t+1, but the subscripts t-1 and t+1 make the equations too long. If I omit the subscripts, then the proof is not clear, if I include the subscripts, the equations span many lines...
I am not sure what I should do.
Note: I am not sure if this is a proper stack exchange site.
Edit: I am deriving a function that looks like this x_{i+k} = g(x_i,\theta_{i,i+k}) where $\theta_{i,i+k}$ is a complicated parameter that take x_i to x_{i+k}. I derived earlier in the paper a recurrence x(i+1) = g(x_i, a, b, ...). So, in the proof, I am showing how to compute \theta_{i,i+k}.
Here are some ideas from a physics perspective. We often have to deal with long equations.
If you have the occasional over-long equation, then sparing use of the two-column environment or slightly smaller font size can be the good choices. (Assuming the journal accepts it.) Suppressing meaningful indices like this can be OK if they are repeated, but if the same equation contains both t-1, and t+1 you probably want to avoid it since it reduces clarity. A great alternative is to abstract more. Define new symbols containing part of your expressions, so that each shown equation becomes shorter - and if done right, easier to interpret. Of course, this comes at the cost of a higher total number of equations.
Finally, sometimes it's best to put a simplified equation in the main paper, and full expressions in the appendices. However, if the proof is central to your paper you probably don't want to do that.