LaTeX Latex Execution on this Site: No Bold Fonts?

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The discussion focuses on the challenges of rendering bold Greek letters in LaTeX, particularly the letter mu (μ). Users note that while using \mathbf in math mode typically works for bolding, it does not italicize the letters, which is a drawback. A common workaround mentioned is using \mbox{\boldmath${\pi}$} for bold Greek letters in math environments. The AMS math package, which includes \usepackage{amssymb,amsmath}, allows for the use of \boldsymbol to achieve bold italics, which is preferred by some users. Additionally, the package bm is recommended for bolding Greek letters, allowing for commands like {\bm \alpha} and {\bm \beta}. The conversation highlights the importance of using the right packages and commands to achieve desired formatting in LaTeX.
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\mathbf{\mu}

What is used to execute latex on this website? When I type that into TeXnic center and compile it without MikTex, it is not bold on my computer.
 
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For some reason, latex doesn't really like making greek letters bold. A workaround I found (which is a little annoying, but at least it works) is to use something like \mbox{\boldmath${\pi}$} if in a math environment.

I don't know what is used on the website.
 
Use \mathbf in math mode.

\mu versus \mathbf\mu \mu\;\mathbf\muOne drawback of mathbf: Its not in italics.

a versus \mathbf a a\;\mathbf aIf you have the AMS math package (\usepackage{amssymb,amsmath}), \boldsymbol puts things in bold italics.

\mu versus \mathbf\mu versus \boldsymbol\mu \mu\;\mathbf\mu\;\boldsymbol\mu
a versus \mathbf a versus \boldsymbol a a\;\mathbf a\;\boldsymbol a
 
Last edited:
D H said:
Use \mathbf in math mode.

\mu versus \mathbf\mu \mu\;\mathbf\mu
Whilst that seems to work on the forum, it doesn't work for me (or, it seems, for the OP) hence why I had to find a workaround. The method you list below works fine!

If you have the AMS math package (\usepackage{amssymb,amsmath}), \boldsymbol puts things in bold italics.

\mu versus \mathbf\mu versus \boldsymbol\mu \mu\;\mathbf\mu\;\boldsymbol\mu
a versus \mathbf a versus \boldsymbol a a\;\boldsymbol a\;\boldsymbol a
 
I generally use \boldsymbol. Hmm, actually, I don't, at least not directly. I generally use macros for matrices and vectors, and those in turn use \boldsymbol. That way if someone tells me to use arrows for vectors I just have to change my vector macro.
 
you have to use the package{bm}. Then inside math environment type Greek letters as {\bm \alpha}, {\bm \beta}, etc...

usepackege{bm}

then,

$ {\bm beta} = {\bm \ alpha} {\bf \gamma} $
 
thanks...DH post was very useful!
 

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