LaTeX

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  1. LaTeX: A Beginner's Guide for Wiki Editors

LaTeX (pronounced "LAY-tek" or "LAH-tek") is a powerful typesetting system widely used for creating technical and scientific documentation. While it might seem daunting at first, understanding the basics of LaTeX can drastically improve the quality and appearance of mathematical formulas, complex tables, and other specialized content within a MediaWiki environment. This article will guide you through the fundamentals of LaTeX, its benefits, and how to utilize it effectively within your wiki contributions.

    1. What is LaTeX?

Unlike word processors like Microsoft Word, which focus on *what* a document looks like, LaTeX focuses on *how* a document is structured. You write plain text with markup tags that define the logical elements of your document – headings, paragraphs, lists, equations, etc. LaTeX then processes this text and automatically generates a beautifully formatted document according to pre-defined style rules. This focus on structure makes LaTeX exceptionally suitable for documents with complex mathematical notation, scientific reports, books, and articles where consistency and professional appearance are paramount.

    1. Why Use LaTeX in MediaWiki?

MediaWiki employs a rendering engine that supports LaTeX through the use of <math> tags. This allows you to insert complex mathematical expressions and formulas directly into your wiki pages. Here's why you should consider using LaTeX:

  • **Professional Appearance:** LaTeX produces typeset formulas that are significantly more visually appealing than those created with standard text formatting. The spacing, symbols, and overall presentation are optimized for readability and clarity. Compare a simple inline equation using plain text versus one rendered using LaTeX – the difference is striking.
  • **Mathematical Precision:** LaTeX excels at handling mathematical symbols, operators, and structures. It provides a comprehensive set of commands for representing everything from simple fractions to complex integrals, matrices, and Greek letters.
  • **Consistency:** LaTeX ensures consistent formatting throughout your document. This is particularly important in collaborative environments like a wiki, where multiple editors might contribute to the same page.
  • **Accessibility:** Well-formed LaTeX code is more accessible to screen readers and other assistive technologies than images of equations.
  • **Complex Formatting:** Beyond mathematics, LaTeX allows for the creation of complex tables, figures, and other specialized elements that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with standard wiki markup.
  • **Industry Standard:** LaTeX is the de facto standard for academic and scientific publishing. Familiarity with LaTeX is a valuable skill for anyone working in these fields. Help:Formatting provides general wiki formatting guides, but LaTeX extends that capability significantly.
    1. Basic LaTeX Syntax

Let's dive into the fundamental syntax of LaTeX. This will provide a foundation for creating your own formulas and equations.

      1. Inline Math

To insert a mathematical expression *within* a paragraph, enclose it in single dollar signs ($). For example:

```latex The area of a circle is $A = \pi r^2$. ```

This will render as:

The area of a circle is $A = \pi r^2$.

      1. Display Math

To display an equation on its own line, centered and with extra vertical space, enclose it in double dollar signs ($$). For example:

```latex $$ E = mc^2 $$ ```

This will render as:

$$ E = mc^2 $$

Alternatively, you can use the `<math display="block">` tag, which is generally preferred in MediaWiki:

```wiki <math display="block"> E = mc^2 </math> ```

This produces the same result as the double dollar sign notation. The `<math>` tag offers more flexibility and control over the rendering process.

      1. Basic Symbols and Operators

LaTeX provides commands for a vast array of mathematical symbols and operators. Here are some common examples:

  • **Greek Letters:** Use backslash followed by the letter name. For example, `\alpha` renders as α, `\beta` renders as β, `\gamma` renders as γ, `\pi` renders as π, `\theta` renders as θ, `\omega` renders as ω.
  • **Superscripts and Subscripts:** Use `^` for superscripts and `_` for subscripts. For example, `x^2` renders as x2, `a_i` renders as ai, and `x^{2n}` renders as x2n.
  • **Fractions:** Use `\frac{numerator}{denominator}`. For example, `\frac{1}{2}` renders as $\frac{1}{2}$.
  • **Square Roots:** Use `\sqrt{expression}`. For example, `\sqrt{x}` renders as $\sqrt{x}$.
  • **nth Roots:** Use `\sqrt[n]{expression}`. For example, `\sqrt[3]{8}` renders as $\sqrt[3]{8}$.
  • **Summation:** Use `\sum_{lower limit}^{upper limit}{expression}`. For example, `\sum_{i=1}^{n}{i}` renders as $\sum_{i=1}^{n}{i}$.
  • **Integrals:** Use `\int_{lower limit}^{upper limit}{expression} dx`. For example, `\int_{0}^{1}{x^2} dx` renders as $\int_{0}^{1}{x^2} dx$.
  • **Limits:** Use `\lim_{x \to a}{expression}`. For example, `\lim_{x \to 0}{\frac{sin(x)}{x}}` renders as $\lim_{x \to 0}{\frac{sin(x)}{x}}$.
  • **Trigonometric Functions:** Use `\sin`, `\cos`, `\tan`, `\cot`, `\sec`, `\csc`. For example, `\sin(x)` renders as $\sin(x)$.
      1. Matrices

LaTeX makes creating matrices straightforward. Use the `\begin{matrix}` and `\end{matrix}` environment. Separate elements within a row with `&`, and separate rows with `\\`.

```latex \begin{matrix} 

 a & b \\
 c & d

\end{matrix} ```

This renders as:

$\begin{matrix} 

 a & b \\
 c & d

\end{matrix}$

You can also create different types of matrices:

  • **pmatrix:** Parentheses around the matrix.
  • **bmatrix:** Square brackets around the matrix.
  • **Bmatrix:** Curly braces around the matrix.
  • **vmatrix:** Single vertical lines (determinant).
  • **Vmatrix:** Double vertical lines (norm).

For example:

```latex \begin{pmatrix} 

 1 & 2 \\
 3 & 4

\end{pmatrix} ```

renders as:

$\begin{pmatrix} 

 1 & 2 \\
 3 & 4

\end{pmatrix}$

      1. Environments

LaTeX uses environments to encapsulate specific types of content. We've already seen the `matrix` environment. Other useful environments include:

  • **align:** For aligning multiple equations.
  • **equation:** For numbered equations.
  • **eqnarray:** Similar to align, but less flexible. (Generally discouraged in favor of align.)
  • **cases:** For defining piecewise functions.
    1. Advanced LaTeX Concepts (Brief Overview)

While the above covers the basics, LaTeX offers much more. Here's a glimpse into some advanced concepts:

  • **Macros:** You can define your own commands to simplify complex expressions.
  • **Packages:** LaTeX packages extend the functionality of the system. While MediaWiki doesn't directly support package inclusion, some common packages are pre-configured for rendering.
  • **Theorems, Lemmas, and Proofs:** LaTeX provides environments for structuring mathematical proofs and statements.
  • **Figures and Tables:** LaTeX allows for precise control over the formatting of figures and tables. Help:Images and Help:Tables describe wiki-specific methods, which can be enhanced with LaTeX within cells.
    1. LaTeX within MediaWiki: Specific Considerations
  • **Rendering Engine:** MediaWiki uses MathJax as its primary rendering engine for LaTeX. MathJax is a JavaScript library that renders LaTeX equations in web browsers.
  • **Escaping Characters:** In MediaWiki, certain characters have special meaning. If you need to include a literal backslash (\) in your LaTeX code, you need to escape it with another backslash (\\).
  • **Compatibility:** Not all LaTeX features are fully supported by MathJax. Complex packages or custom macros might not render correctly.
  • **Accessibility:** Ensure your LaTeX code is well-formed and includes alt text for images to improve accessibility.
  • **Previewing:** MediaWiki's visual editor often doesn't preview LaTeX rendering accurately. Always use the "Show preview" button to verify the output.
    1. Resources for Learning LaTeX
    1. Related Wiki Pages
    1. Trading Resources & Analysis (External Links)

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