How can I write X bar to denote a vector outside of a Latex forum?

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on writing vector notations in LaTeX, specifically how to denote a vector with a bar over it using commands like \vec{x}, \bar{X}, and \overline{X}. Users highlighted the utility of WinEdt as a software tool for composing LaTeX outside of forums, while also noting that copying LaTeX symbols into Word may not always work seamlessly. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the specific LaTeX syntax and the limitations of various software when integrating LaTeX with Word documents.

PREREQUISITES
  • Familiarity with LaTeX syntax, particularly vector notation.
  • Understanding of LaTeX commands such as \vec{}, \bar{}, and \overline{}.
  • Basic knowledge of using WinEdt for LaTeX document preparation.
  • Awareness of how to integrate LaTeX with Microsoft Word.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research how to use WinEdt for LaTeX document creation.
  • Learn about LaTeX commands for Greek letters and special symbols.
  • Explore tutorials on producing PDF documents using LaTeX.
  • Investigate the limitations of copying LaTeX into Microsoft Word.
USEFUL FOR

Students, educators, and professionals in mathematics, physics, and engineering who need to write and format vector notations using LaTeX and integrate them into Word documents.

solarblast
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How do I write X bar with the bar over it to denote a vector?

I discovered that if I compose a Latex equation here that I can copy it into a Word file. Is this true of all the symbols? Same for sub and super scripts.

Is there a software tool that I can use to write Latex outside the realm of this forum?
 
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I'm not sure what "other symbols" you mean. LaTeX code is standard "ascii" but things like control codes for Greek letters, etc. generally will not copy correctly. Also you should be aware that while LaTeX code is standard the HTML code introducing it is not. Here you can use "[ t e x ]" (without the spaces) or "[ i t e x ]", Others require "[ l a t e x ]" or use "[ t e x ]" only. I have even run across one forum that uses "\(" and "\)".
 
By "other symbols", I meant ones like delta, arrow, etc. Ones that I had not used. That is, would Word accept all the symbols in the table?

Can I write an alphabetic symbol with a bar over it?

I found WinEdit, which appears to work outside the Forum.
 
Use \vec{x} to make a vector quantity in LaTeX. I don't think this would work for copying into Word. If you want to make a vector in Word, and you don't want to use the built in Equation functionality, just use an arrow object and manually position it above the symbol in your equation.
 
\vec{x} didn't seem to work here when I went into advanced. Maybe it needs an end character? I haven't used the Word equation ability for probably 7 years, and it appears that it requires a bit of work to install it, although Word readily accepts a copy of the Latex here. In any case, I can use bold in Word to signify a vector.

I think there may be a tutorial for WinEdit, which would help.
 
Sometimes you won't see it immediately because the page doesn't load the script properly, but \vec{x} does work on this forum.

Using LaTeX to produce a real document uses the same (but an expanded) syntax as is used here; the subtleties are related to the formatting of the document as a whole. There are plenty of introductory guides out there for how to produce, say, a PDF document using LaTeX. Note that WinEdt is just a graphical program that combines a text editor with buttons to do the heavy lifting; LaTeX documents can also be produced using only notepad, and the appropriate command-line utility to interpret the .tex file.
 
solarblast said:
How do I write X bar with the bar over it to denote a vector?

I discovered that if I compose a Latex equation here that I can copy it into a Word file. Is this true of all the symbols? Same for sub and super scripts.

Is there a software tool that I can use to write Latex outside the realm of this forum?

You can write latex quite nicely in Mathematica and to do vectors it's just \vec{stuff} which looks like;

\vec{stuff}
 
In standard LaTeX you use \bar{X} \bar{X} or \overline{X} \overline{X}.

As you can see, the \bar{X} is rather anemic and the \overline{X} is slightly too wide.
 

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