What is Latex: Definition and 999 Discussions

Latex is a stable dispersion (emulsion) of polymer microparticles in water. Latexes are found in nature, but synthetic latexes are common as well.
Latex as found in nature is a milky fluid found in 10% of all flowering plants (angiosperms). It is a complex emulsion consisting of proteins, alkaloids, starches, sugars, oils, tannins, resins, and gums that coagulate on exposure to air. It is usually exuded after tissue injury. In most plants, latex is white, but some have yellow, orange, or scarlet latex. Since the 17th century, latex has been used as a term for the fluid substance in plants, deriving from the Latin word for "liquid." It serves mainly as defense against herbivorous insects. Latex is not to be confused with plant sap; it is a distinct substance, separately produced, and with separate functions.
The word latex is also used to refer to natural latex rubber, particularly non-vulcanized rubber. Such is the case in products like latex gloves, latex condoms and latex clothing.
Originally, the name given to latex by indigenous Equator tribes who cultivated the rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis, was "caoutchouc", from the words caa ('tear') and ochu ('tree'), because of the way it is collected.

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  1. J

    LaTeX Debugging Latex Equations: Tips and Tools for Troubleshooting

    \left(\frac{\partial \mathcal L(a_1,…a_n, …;\dot a_1,..,\dot a_n, …;t)}{\partial a_i}\right) - \left(\frac{d}{dy} \frac{\partial \mathcal L(a_1,…a_n, …;\dot a_1,..,\dot a_n, …;t)}{\partial \dot a_i}\right) = 0 \quad \text{for } i = 1, \dots, n, i \neq j The above equation works on this form but...
  2. E

    LaTeX How can I use one and half spacing in Latex with the memoir class?

    Hello, How can I apply one and half spacing for my document in Latex? Note: I am using the memoir class. Thanks in advance
  3. A

    LaTeX Latex Equation Numbering: Change eqref to "eqn.

    Hi, when I want to reference an equation in my latex file I use "eqref{}" with produces "(1)". I would like to change this so that it appears as "(eqn. 1)" Is there any way to get the desired affect? Thanks in advance,
  4. kuruman

    LaTeX Using LateX in Blog: Tips for Including Code in Your Posts

    Is there a way to include LateX code in a blog posting? Thanks.
  5. E

    LaTeX Solve Latex Page Alignment Issues

    Hello, I noticed that pages in my thesis are not aligned. like this segment of code: \documentclass[a4paper,12pt,openany]{memoir} \begin{document} \chapter{} \chapter{} \end{document} How can I solve this problem? Thanks in advance
  6. E

    LaTeX Write Two Equations at the Same Line in Latex

    Hello, How can I write two differents equations at the same line using Latex? for example: \begin{align} y_1(x)=&x^2\\ y_2(x)=&2x+1 \end{align} Thanks in advance
  7. L

    LaTeX My browser IE8 doesn't display latex with anti-alias

    On my computer the PNG made from latex is ugly and rough with no anti-aliasing. How do I fix that in Internet Explorer 8?
  8. M

    LaTeX How to Number Equations in Latex with Letters?

    Hi, I was wondering how to number a set of equations (in Latex) under the same number but differentiate with a letter appeneded at the end! i.e, aX + bY = k -------(1.1a) cX + dY = l -------(1.1b) rX + sY = m -------(1.1c) like wise. I can get them numbered as (1.1),(1.2),(1.3) etc. But...
  9. MathematicalPhysicist

    LaTeX Help in Latex in Texniccenter.

    I have this problem, I want to write with spacings between words, but don't know which command to use, is it: \vspace or \haspace and where to place it? here's the code (disregard what is written there (-: ): \begin{dcoument} $$ Let's define a quasi-function, as a function defined by...
  10. P

    LaTeX Latex underbrace - change color

    Hello, can anyone give some advice about how to change the color of underbrace? The equation is in normal black color, but I would like to underbrace some of its part, but I want to have the underbrace in light gray. Is it possible to do it?(change the color of the brace only?) Thank you.
  11. R

    LaTeX Help in latex in writing a report

    Hello PF members, I need a small help in latex in writing a report! How to include footnotes (in the form of symbol!). For e.g., i have 5 authors..for all these 5 authors i can use $^1$, $^2$, etc as author's address. I mean all are just numbers.. Now for 2 of the 5 authors i want add...
  12. E

    LaTeX Optimizing "arg" in I for m values between 1 and M - Latex Help

    Hello In the following, I need 1\leq m\leq M to be exactly under "arg", How can I do that? I=\text{arg}_{\substack{1\leq m\leq M} Thanks in advance
  13. N

    LaTeX Find LaTeX for Your Papers/Homework - Quick Reference Manual

    I've been typing up all my papers/homework in Maple 12 but numerous professors have suggested I get LaTeX or Tek (is what I think he said, may have been "tex"-he has a thick german accent). Anyway, I googled a bit and found various links to various programs and codes and everything but I can't...
  14. R

    LaTeX Incorporating LaTeX into Word documents as images

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  15. E

    LaTeX How to Create a List of Appendices in Latex for Thesis?

    Hello, In Latex, there are the \listoftables and \listoffigures control sequences to list the tables and figures respectively where you want. But I didn't find a similar control sequence to list the appendices, or did I miss it? Can anyone help please? Thanks in advance
  16. E

    LaTeX Table of Contents and List of Figures in Latex

    Hello, 1- How to do the table of contents like this: 2- In creating a list of figures, the long description of some figures does not appear as a whole. How to split the description of figures in the list of figures? Thanks in advance
  17. E

    LaTeX Switch From Double to Single Spacing in Latex

    Hello, In writting my thesis, I set the spacing to be double spacing, complying the requirements. But in some paragraphs, I need to make the spacing single spacing, as in the abstract. When I write \singlespacing control sequence just before the intended paragrah, it shows no affect. How to...
  18. E

    LaTeX Multi-line Equation Problem in Latex

    Hello, I have an equation like this one: f(x)=1+g(x) where g(x) is a very long term, and I have to split it into two halfs, but I want the second half be exactly under the '+' sign, not under the '=' sign. How can I do that? Thanks in advance
  19. E

    LaTeX Writing in LaTeX - Tips & Tutorials

    Hello, How to write the following using the Latex program: Thanks in advance
  20. E

    LaTeX Numbering the Equations in Latex

    Hello, I am wondering if there is an automatic way to number the equations in my thesis based on chapters, sections, subsections, ..., etc. Regards
  21. E

    LaTeX Inserting a Figure into a Latex Document

    Hello, I want to ask how to include 2 figures at the same page in a Latex document, because when I insert .eps figures from MATLAB, each occpies one page. Regards
  22. E

    LaTeX Writing Master Thesis using LATEX

    Hello, I am in the writting stage of my master thesis. Actually, I wrote it while I am in progress, but I need to fulfill the requirements of the Faculty of Gradguate Studies (FGS) for the thesis. In doing so, I will face some problems using LATEX for sure, because I am not so familiar with...
  23. P

    LaTeX Where is the Latex Coding Thread?

    i've been away more than 5 yrs and can't find the thread that used to tell you how to code latex. you could practise there too without burdening others with your errors. where is that thread? or something similar? in friendship, prad
  24. R

    LaTeX How to Group Thousands in LaTeX

    How can I tell LaTex to group by thousands such as a large number like this: 1 000 000 000 instead of 1000000000 Thanks
  25. L

    LaTeX Strange error regarding table in latex

    Hello! Im having trouble creating my pdf file with texmaker. I have a large document and I have created many tables in my code. But now when I have written the code below for a table texmaker won't create the pdf file when it should. It only says "process started", but nothing happens...
  26. malawi_glenn

    LaTeX LaTeX: Links in Table of Contents

    Hello all LaTeX fans I want in my table of contents to have links to the sections which is included there, see this for instance: http://arxiv.org/PS_cache/arxiv/pdf/0906/0906.0777v1.pdf (and also the entire row, not just the page number) Secondly, I want to create that bookmark...
  27. J

    LaTeX Getting started on using LaTex

    Can someone tell me if I must install Latex and Lyx, or MikTex, or WinEdit or is one enough, in order to use math typesetting on a text editor? Is Latex necessary to install first before you install the a complimentary program, so Lyx can utilise its abilities or do these programs have Tex /...
  28. L

    MATLAB How can I attach MATLAB code in LaTeX without it looking like a report?

    Hello! Im writing a technical report with "article" as documentclass in Latex. I want to attach my MATLAB code in the appendix. If I copy and paste the text it won't look like the MATLAB code but it will look like a report.. What command should I use so the text just looks like it is ...
  29. L

    LaTeX Latex Documentclass Article: How to Cut Off Text Lines and Create New Paragraphs

    Hello! Im writing a technical report with "article" as documentclass in Latex How can I cut off a line? I have a long piece of text and I want to cut it of like a new paragraph how do I do that? I have tried to use // but that's wrong... thanks
  30. E

    LaTeX How do you open and end brackets in a multi-line equation in Latex?

    Hello, In a multi-line equation in latex, how to open a bracket at a line and end it at another line? Regards
  31. E

    LaTeX Solve Your Latex Alignment Problem | Tips for Right-Aligned Equations

    Hello, How to write the equations in Latex right-aligned? regards
  32. L

    LaTeX Guide to Cutting Long Equations in Latex for Optimal Formatting

    Hello! I got a very long equation that I´m writing in Latex, it is so long that the equation reference can´t fit on the same line. How do I write to cut the equation so it continues on the next line? Thanks
  33. Loren Booda

    LaTeX Could you give an example in Latex?

    I would like an example in Latex of a product with indices n=1 to N for bN, all minus 1, finally equal to bZ. I have not been able to find the original Latex tutorials.
  34. R

    LaTeX How Can I Number Subfigures within Sections in Latex?

    Hi, In my report, I want figures to be numbered within sections, so I put the following in the preamble of my document: \numberwithin{figure}{section} This works great, except for when I am referencing subfigures. I have the following code: \begin{figure}[h] \centering...
  35. DrGreg

    LaTeX Still a problem with PREVIEWING Latex

    Previewing a message seems to show incorrect cached images instead of generating a new Latex image. No problem when you actually post the message.
  36. P

    LaTeX Creating Appendix Titles in LaTeX: A How-To Guide

    I have written \begin{appendix} \section{name1} blah blah \section{name2} \subsection{name3} \end{appendix} It calls them 'A name1' etc, I want it to write 'Appendix A: name1' How do I get it to do this? My class environment is article which I don't want to change because that...
  37. R

    LaTeX Latex Formatting Help for Maths Coursework - Ryan

    Hi, I am quite new to latex but have a piece of maths coursework to do so decided that I would use that in order to learn the basics of latex. So far things have gone OK, as I have managed to fine the answers to most of my questions on various latex tutorial web pages and on this forum...
  38. P

    LaTeX How do you force a citation to appear before a comma in LaTeX?

    I have a sentence reading: \usepackage[superscript]{cite} Someone said something super important\cite{someone20}, and it was super interesting. 1) Someone, science journal, 2020. Except it actually comes out with the ^1 AFTER the comma. I want it to appear superscript to the name not...
  39. R

    LaTeX Effortlessly Create a Matrix in Latex: Step-by-Step Guide

    Hi, I am trying to produce a matrix in Latex with the following code: \begin{bmatrix} 1 & 0 & 0 & 0 & 0 & 0 & 0 & -4 & 1 & 0 & 0 & 0 & 0 & 0 \\ 0 & 1 & 0 & 0 & 0 & 0 & 0 & 1 & -4 & 1 & 0 & 0 & 0 & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & 1 & 0 & 0 & 0 & 0 & 0 & 1 & -4 & 1 & 0 & 0 & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & 0 & 1 & 0 & 0 & 0 &...
  40. H

    LaTeX I don't understand latex programs for Windows

    Okay, guys. Here's what I want to do: convert a *.tex file to a *.dvi file, and then look at the pretty *.dvi file. That's it. But I want to do it in Windows. I've done this a gazillion times in linux, and it's easy as pie. Just "latex file.tex" in a terminal shell. But of course...
  41. M

    LaTeX Matrix Row & Column Labels in Latex

    Hello, I'm new to Latex and I'm having some problems creating a 5 x 5 matrix. I need to label each column 1 through 5 and I need to label each row 1 through 5. I need the row labels to be on the right side. I've found a couple of links online, but they only show how to label rows on the left...
  42. L

    LaTeX Symbol creation in LaTeX (Question)

    Hi, Does anyone know how to create the following symbol (in LaTeX): An exclamation mark directly above an equal sign. Thanks!
  43. M

    LaTeX Latex roman numeral for pages ONLY on Table of Contents page

    Does anyone know how to have latex do roman numerals on only certain pages - I want the table of contents to have roman numerals and the rest of the document to have numbers. But when I try to change the Table of contents page it changes it for all the pages. Thanks for any help you can give...
  44. L

    LaTeX Writing Matrices on One Row & Labeling - LaTeX

    Hello! I know how to do a matrice in latex like this: \[ \begin{bmatrix} a & b & c \\ d & e & f \\ g & h & i \end{bmatrix} \] How do I write severell matrices on one row like : "matrix_A times another matrix_B = answer " And how can I label the matrices so I can refer to...
  45. Matterwave

    LaTeX Is there a problem with the latex?

    A lot of threads I've been looking at doesn't display the Latex code. It just says: Latex code: blahblahblah. All underlined. What's wrong?
  46. A

    LaTeX Help Making A Matrix in Latex?

    Help Making A Matrix in Latex?? Hi, I need to make an nxn square matrix using Latex with 1's starting in the bottom left all the way up to the top right on that sort of opposite diagonal. I can't figure out to do it. Can anyone help? Thank you.
  47. L

    LaTeX LaTeX Question - How do you make a Lowercase Script L?

    Hi, Does anyone know how to make the script lowercase L in LaTeX (i.e. looks like the breast cancer symbol). Thanks! (Hopefully I put this in the appropriate forum)
  48. P

    LaTeX Troubleshooting LaTeX: Cannot Open PDF or View Changes - Expert Tips

    I'm not sure where to have put this question I hope it is in the right place. I have big problem with LaTeX.. I have been writing a document for a while and recently when I click the build and view button it shows this error [DocOpen(%bm.pdf")][FileOPen(%bm.pdf)] Cannot execute the...
  49. K

    LaTeX Software Recommendations for LaTeX Diagrams on Linux Ubuntu

    I'm sorry if this is the wrong forum but I think that mathematicians often work with LaTex and should be able to answer. Could you please recommend me any kind of software for creating diagrams (plotting functions, drawing vectors, writing down matrices, etc) and then converting these...
  50. P

    LaTeX Problem with LaTeX generating pdf?

    I'm not sure where to have put this question I hope it is in the right place. I have big problem with LaTeX.. I have been writing a document for a while and recently when I click the build and view button it shows this error [DocOpen(%bm.pdf")][FileOPen(%bm.pdf)] Cannot execute the...
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