How can I draw vectors on a computer using LaTeX for a math assignment?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around how to draw vectors using LaTeX for a math assignment. Participants explore various tools and methods available within LaTeX and other software options.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about programs for drawing vectors, specifically asking if LaTeX can be used.
  • Another participant suggests using PowerPoint's drawing toolbar as a viable option, noting that while LaTeX can be used, it involves a learning curve.
  • A participant expresses a preference for using LaTeX and requests links for drawing coordinate systems and vectors within it.
  • Multiple drawing systems for LaTeX are mentioned, with a participant recommending pgf/Tikz as a favorite, while also acknowledging Asymptote and Metapost as alternatives.
  • One participant shares enthusiasm for Tikz after reviewing it, indicating a positive reception of the tool.
  • A participant provides links to examples and resources for drawing in LaTeX, mentioning the \vector command and noting limitations on slopes, while suggesting the use of \qbezier for more flexibility.
  • There is a mention of the possibility of including additional packages like PSTricks for enhanced capabilities.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that LaTeX can be used for drawing vectors, but there are multiple competing views on the best tools and methods to achieve this. The discussion remains unresolved regarding which specific approach is superior.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the learning curve associated with LaTeX and the constraints of available features for drawing vectors. Specific assumptions about user familiarity with LaTeX and its packages are not explicitly stated.

Tricore
Messages
20
Reaction score
0
I need to draw a couple of vectors for a math assignment. Any recommendations as to what program to use for this? Can LaTeX do it?

Thanks in advance :smile:
 
Computer science news on Phys.org
The draeing toolbar in Powerpoint isn't too bad, you can draw the vector, right-click on it to look at the prpoerties then scale & rotate as you need to do to finish the assignment. Latex will work, but you will have to get thru the learning curve.
 
Okay thanks, I'm doing my assignment in LaTeX anyhow so I'd prefer using that to draw too, but I can't find anything on drawing coordinate systems / vectors in LaTeX, got any links?
 
There are a number of drawing systems for LaTeX, all of which can do what you ask. My personal favorite is http://www.ctan.org/tex-archive/help/Catalogue/entries/pgf.html, but Asymptote and Metapost seem like reasonable alternatives. pgf/Tikz can be used inline in a LaTeX document. Its default length unit is centimeters, the origin is in the lower left corner, and the drawing area expands automatically to fit its contents.
 
I just had a look a Tigz, and I must say it looks awesome! Simply fantastic, thanks a bunch guys!
 
For simple graphics...

Look at my example in #6 [click on the picture] and my last post to see how I did it
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=113915

You probably want to use the \vector command
see: http://cs5.ecok.edu/ByExample/node49.html
http://www.ursoswald.ch/LaTeXGraphics/picture/picture.html

Note the limitations on the available slopes.
http://www-h.eng.cam.ac.uk/help/tpl/textprocessing/teTeX/latex/latex2e-html/ltx-43.html For more freedom, you can use \qbezier
https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=1278147&postcount=17
https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=969925&postcount=695
but you might have to draw the arrowheads yourself.The above are all constrained by the LaTeX features available at PF.
Alternatively, you can try to include other packages
like http://tug.org/PSTricks/ .
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
1K
Replies
15
Views
11K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
3K
Replies
18
Views
10K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K