Using LaTeX introduces the LaTeX markup language, and provides high-level information to get you started using it, and to help you understand its syntax.
Invoking LaTeX
In a wiki, LaTeX markup is enclosed by <math> and </math> tags.
LaTeX syntax
LaTeX consists of "commands", introduced by a backslash, and possibly having parameters which might be enclosed in curly braces.
LaTeX commands
- Main article: LaTeX commands
LaTeX commands are introduced by a backslash, and possibly have parameters, which might be enclosed in curly braces. Some commands come in pairs, with a beginning command, followed by the stuff that ends up "inside" it, followed by the corresponding ending command.
Subscripts and superscripts
A subscript is denoted by the underscore character (_). A superscript is denoted by the carat (^) character. Just like the parameters of a command, the subscript or superscript can be enclosed in curly braces if it's longer than one symbol.
Examples of commands, subscripts, and superscripts
The commands, \begin{split} and \end{split} form a pair. Each of them takes a parameter, "split", which says what is beginning and ending. The command \frac{numerator}{denominator} takes two parameters, and has no matching ending command.
| The following LaTeX markup... | ...results in this: |
|---|---|
\begin{split}
a& =b+c-d\\
& \quad +e-f\\
& =g+h\\
& =i
\end{split}
|
Failed to parse (unknown function "\begin{split}"): {\displaystyle \begin{split} a& =b+c-d\\ & \quad +e-f\\ & =g+h\\ & =i \end{split}} |
\frac{numerator}{denominator}
|
|
\lim_{x\to 0^+} \frac{\sin^2(x)}{x}
|
