# How I can use a vertical bar to represent evaluation in LaTeX

1. Apr 16, 2008

### Kreizhn

Hey guys. This might not be the right place for this, but any ideas on how I can use a vertical bar to represent evaluation in LaTeX?

Example

$$\displaystyle \frac{d}{dt} |_{t=0} f(t)$$

I would like the vertical bar to be the size of the differential. I've tried using \left|, \right|, \vert, etc. but nothing seems to work. Thanks a lot in advance.

Last edited by a moderator: May 5, 2011
2. Apr 16, 2008

### alphysicist

Hi Kreizhn,

Is this it?

$$\left. \frac{d}{dt} \right|_{t=0} f(t)$$

which is given by

\left. \frac{d}{dt} \right|_{t=0} f(t)

Using either \left or \right on a period means the automatic delimiter sizing takes place, but only one delimiter is shown.

3. Apr 16, 2008

### Kreizhn

Excellent, thank you

4. Apr 16, 2008

### robphy

\frac{d}{dt} \bigg|_{t=0} f(t) achieves a similar effect
with manual sizing (by using two g's) and the unneeded \left. tag.

$$\frac{d}{dt} \bigg|_{t=0} f(t)$$

5. May 5, 2011

### PiRho31416

Re: LaTeX

I'm using lyx and I'm having difficulty trying to find the code for this vertical line. Any suggestions? I use the | but it's extremely small.

6. May 5, 2011

### Kreizhn

Re: LaTeX

Maybe try \|?

The height of the vertical line will be determined by the {stuff} in between the \left. {stuff} \right|. If it's not naturally big, you may want to add an "invisible tower." My invisible tower is called \xstrut, and is defined as follows

\newlength{\myVSpace}% the height of the box
\setlength{\myVSpace}{3ex}% the default,
\newcommand\xstrut{\raisebox{-.5\myVSpace}% symmetric behaviour,
{\rule{0pt}{\myVSpace}}%
}
To change the height of the box, change

$$\mathbf{M \bigg|_{x^k} \Delta x^k = -f(x^k)}$$