How to Use LaTeX: Getting & Using It

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  • Thread starter Thread starter Firestrider
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around how to obtain and use LaTeX, particularly in the context of the Physics Forums. Participants explore various methods and resources for using LaTeX, including its integration into the forum and external applications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how to get and use LaTeX, suggesting a possible lack of clarity on the topic.
  • Another participant mentions using HTML tags for superscript and subscript as an alternative to LaTeX.
  • A different participant notes that LaTeX is built into the forum and provides a hint about finding directions in the general math area.
  • One user offers to teach LaTeX for a fee, indicating a business approach to learning the tool.
  • A link to a LaTeX tutorial and practice thread is shared for further guidance.
  • There is a humorous exchange about the implications of using free resources and the potential for reporting to mentors, highlighting a playful debate over the ethics of using available materials.
  • A participant expresses uncertainty about whether the original question pertains to using LaTeX on the forum or elsewhere, mentioning the need for specific software installations for external use.
  • Another participant suggests MathType as an easier alternative for casual users needing to typeset math.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best way to obtain and use LaTeX, with multiple competing views and methods presented throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some participants assume familiarity with LaTeX and its applications, while others express uncertainty about the specifics of using it outside the forum environment. There are also varying opinions on the accessibility and learning curve associated with LaTeX.

Firestrider
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How do you get it, and how do you use it? Or is it one of those don't ask don't tell kind of things?
 
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lol don't ask don't tell! I don't really know. I just use superscript and subscript with the <sup></sup> and <sub></sub> tags (the > and < are ] and [).
 
Latex is built into the forum. Use "[ tex ]" and "[ /tex ]" and look in i believe the general math area for directions on how to use Latex. It's somewhere in the forum hehe.
 
I can teach you. We will just work out a price. I charge by the line of code I teach you. Special characters, matrix, charts, and symbols will cost you extra.
 
Hypnagogue, you just killed my business
 
cyrusabdollahi said:
Hypnagogue, you just killed my business
Hey, just be glad I didn't report you to the other mentors. Exploiting free resources on PF... I bet that would make Zapper angry. And you wouldn't like him when he's angry.

Actually, maybe I will report you anyway. You can convince me otherwise, though; we will just work out a price... :-p
 
Ill take my chances and call you on your bluff :biggrin: :-p

Thats not exploting, that's finding a new market! You don't scare me! <Runs and hides>
 
Last edited:
I'm not sure if firestrider is asking about using LaTeX on this forum, or elsewhere. Obviously LaTeX here is free and easy to use. If you want to use LaTeX for your own purposes, you'll need access to a Unix machine, or you'll have to install a package like MiKTeX on a windows machine. You'll also need to go through the rather painful learning curve to become proficient with it.

For casual users who need to typeset math for reports and so on, I highly recommend MathType. It's easy to use, and also can generate LaTeX code.

- Warren
 
  • #10
Firestrider said:
How do you get it [tex], and how do you use it? Or is it one of those don't ask don't tell kind of things?[/tex]
[tex] <br /> You can try wal-mart, walgreens, or a local pharmacy. And to use them, well they are pretty self-explanatory. <img src="/styles/physicsforums/xenforo/smilies/eggonface.png" class="smilie" loading="lazy" alt="o:)" title="Egg on Face o:)" data-shortname="o:)" />[/tex]
 

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