LaTeX Resources

Prerequisites

• LaTeX is best known for inserting mathematical commands as it is flexible and does not involve "searching a symbol" process unlike in Word.

• In order to use mathematical notations, the amsmath package needs to the imported. It can be done with the following command

\usepackage{amsmath}

Mathematical Modes

 INLINE MODE 

• Enables you to write formulas as a part of the text. For example,

The formula (a + b)² = a² + b² + 2ab is in inline mode.

• It can be achieved in the following 3 ways

• • Math Environment

                        \begin{math}

             ....

             \end{math}

• • LaTeX Shorthand - \( ... \)

• • TeX Shorthand -  $ ... $

DISPLAY MODE 

• Enables you to write formulas that are not a part of the text/paragraph, thus on a separate line.

The same formula

(a + b)² = a² + b² + 2ab

is in display mode.

• It can be achieved in the following 3 ways

• • Math Environment

                        \begin{equation}

             ....

             \end{equation}

• • LaTeX Shorthand - \[ ... \]

• • TeX Shorthand -  $$ ... $$

The mark-up commands for various mathematical symbols can be found in the below links,

1. http://www.artofproblemsolving.com/Wiki/index.php/LaTeX:Symbols

2. http://www.texfaq.org/

Remember: If you are using a mathematical symbol, do not forget to use an environment. If a symbol is used outside an environment, some undesired errors might be received.