What is the purpose of using subscript and superscript in text formatting?

Using subscript and superscript in text formatting serves a specific and important purpose in communication, particularly in scientific and mathematical contexts. Subscript characters are positioned slightly below the normal line of text, while superscript characters are placed slightly above. This formatting is especially useful for denoting various elements like chemical formulas (e.g., H₂O where the '2' is subscript) or mathematical expressions (e.g., x² where the '2' is superscript) and can also indicate footnotes or references in textual content. This ability to adjust the positioning of characters enhances readability and clarity, allowing the audience to easily understand complex information. Thus, the option detailing the adjustment of characters to appear either slightly above or below the normal line of type accurately captures the primary function of subscript and superscript texts.