LaTeX Basic Math Symbols

LaTeX excels at typesetting mathematical equations. Understanding basic math symbols is crucial for creating clear and professional-looking mathematical content.

Common Mathematical Operators

LaTeX provides a wide range of mathematical operators. Here are some frequently used symbols:

Symbol	LaTeX Code	Description
+	+	Addition
-	-	Subtraction
×	\times	Multiplication
÷	\div	Division
±	\pm	Plus-minus

Greek Letters

Greek letters are commonly used in mathematics. LaTeX makes it easy to include them in your equations:

Letter	LaTeX Code	Letter	LaTeX Code
α	\alpha	β	\beta
γ	\gamma	δ	\delta
π	\pi	θ	\theta

Comparison Operators

When working with equations, comparison operators are essential:

Symbol	LaTeX Code	Description
=	=	Equal to
≠	\neq	Not equal to
<	<	Less than
>	>	Greater than
≤	\leq	Less than or equal to
≥	\geq	Greater than or equal to

Using Math Symbols in LaTeX

To use math symbols in LaTeX, you need to be in math mode. There are two ways to enter math mode:

1. Inline math mode: Use $...$ for equations within text.
2. Display math mode: Use \[...\] for standalone equations.

Example 1: Inline Math

The quadratic formula is $x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}$.

This will render as: The quadratic formula is x = (-b ± √(b² - 4ac)) / (2a).

Example 2: Display Math

\[
    E = mc^2
\]
    

This will display Einstein's famous equation as a standalone formula.

Best Practices

• Use LaTeX Math Modes appropriately for inline and display equations.
• Combine basic symbols with Subscripts and Superscripts for complex expressions.
• Explore Advanced Math Symbols for more specialized notation.
• Consider using the AMS-LaTeX Package for additional mathematical features.

Mastering basic math symbols in LaTeX is the foundation for creating sophisticated mathematical documents. Practice using these symbols in various contexts to become proficient in LaTeX mathematical typesetting.