How to Align Text to the Left Using the Aligned Environment

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter bwpbruce
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around aligning text to the left using the align environment in LaTeX, with a focus on formatting issues related to indentation and alignment in mathematical expressions. Participants explore different approaches and commands to achieve the desired text alignment.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the default behavior of the align command, noting that text is typically indented or centered and requests a demonstration for left alignment.
  • Another participant suggests that the word "Subtract" should not be included in the align environment, arguing it is text rather than mathematical content, and mentions the use of the \noindent command to prevent indentation.
  • A participant questions the context of the original inquiry, asking whether the discussion pertains to LaTeX in a specific environment or a complete LaTeX installation, and requests clarification on the intended behavior and purpose of the example provided.
  • Further discussion highlights that the \noindent command may not work effectively with the align command, and reiterates the need for clarification on the desired output.
  • Another participant introduces the aligned environment as an alternative to align, noting that it does not occupy the full line width and can be used within math mode, suggesting it could achieve the desired left alignment without indentation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the use of the align environment versus the aligned environment, and there is no consensus on the best approach to achieve left alignment without indentation. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the most effective method.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully defined the specific behavior they wish to achieve, and there are unresolved questions about the context in which the LaTeX commands are being applied.

bwpbruce
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If I use the align command, my text is usually either indented or centered by default. What do I need to do in order for my text to align left. I prefer if someone demonstrate how to do it.\begin{align*}\dfrac{a}{t} - \dfrac{b}{t}&=\dfrac{1}{t}(a) - \dfrac{1}{t}(b) \\&=\dfrac{1}{t}(a - b) \\&=\dfrac{1}{t} \dot\ \dfrac{a - b}{1} \\&=\dfrac{a - b}{t}\end{align*}
 
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I wouldn't put the word "Subtract" inside the align environment. It's text, and there doesn't seem to be a reason to put it inside the math environment. If you want to force it not to indent, you can use the
Code: 
\noindent
command.
 
bwpbruce said:
If I use the align command, my text is usually either indented or centered by default. What do I need to do in order for my text to align left. I prefer if someone demonstrate how to do it.
Indented and aligned left are not mutually exclusive. Are you talking about LaTeX in MHB or about compiling complete files using your LaTeX installation? Can you explain exactly what behavior you want? What is the purpose of your example?
 
Ackbach said:
I wouldn't put the word "Subtract" inside the align environment. It's text, and there doesn't seem to be a reason to put it inside the math environment. If you want to force it not to indent, you can use the
Code: 
\noindent
command.

The no indent command doesn't seem to work well in conjunction with the align command.

- - - Updated - - -

Evgeny.Makarov said:
Indented and aligned left are not mutually exclusive. Are you talking about LaTeX in MHB or about compiling complete files using your LaTeX installation? Can you explain exactly what behavior you want? What is the purpose of your example?

If you can show me a way to post the text so that it is not indented but still align the equal signs, then that's what I want to be able to do.
 
The environment [m]aligned[/m] is similar to [m]align[/m], but it does not take the whole line width and can be used as a subformula inside math mode. So if you wrap [m]aligned[/m] in dollar signs and make it a start of a paragraph, then it should have no indent.

$\begin{aligned}\dfrac{a}{t} - \dfrac{b}{t}&=\dfrac{1}{t}(a) - \dfrac{1}{t}(b) \\&=\dfrac{1}{t}(a - b) \\&=\dfrac{1}{t} \dot\ \dfrac{a - b}{1} \\&=\dfrac{a - b}{t}\end{aligned}$
 

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