Latex help equation

There are two major modes of typesetting math in LaTeX one is embedding the math directly into your text by encapsulating your formula in dollar signs and the other is using a predefined math environment. You can follow along and try the code in the sandbox below. I also prepared a quick reference of math symbols. To make use of the inline math feature, simply write your text and if you need to typeset a single math symbol or formula, surround it with dollar signs:. The most useful math envorinments are the equation environment for typesetting single equationsand the align environment for multiple equations and automatic alignment:. There is no alignment when using the simple equation environment.

LaTeX is the standard language used by mathematicians, physicists, etc. You must use PF via a web browser in order to see properly-rendered equations. If you're on a computer, you can see the LaTeX code for any equation displayed in the forum by right-clicking under Windows or control-clicking under Mac OS on it. This brings up a contextual popup menu. To practice your LaTeX, enter it in the editing box for a new thread or post, and click the "Preview" button. Don't click the "Create Thread" or "Post Reply" button unless you want everybody else to see what you're doing!

One of the greatest motivating forces for Donald Knuth when he began developing the original TeX system was to create something that allowed simple construction of mathematical formulae, while looking professional when printed. The fact that he succeeded was most probably why TeX and later on, LaTeX became so popular within the scientific community. Typesetting mathematics is one of LaTeX's greatest strengths. It is also a large topic due to the existence of so much mathematical notation. If your document requires only a few simple mathematical formulas, plain LaTeX has most of the tools that you will need.

MediaWiki renders mathematical equations using a combination of html markup and a variant of LaTeX. Only a limited part of the full TeX language is supported; see below for details. The older PNG images can be set via user preferences.