What Are the ## LaTeX Symbols?

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the usage of LaTeX symbols, specifically the \## and \[itex\] tags, which are equivalent in the context of the forum. Users confirmed that \## serves as a shortcut for LaTeX formatting, similar to \[tex\] and \$$. The conversation also highlights that while basic LaTeX commands like \begin{equation} and \end{equation} function correctly, automatic labeling and numbering may require additional LaTeX packages not supported by the forum's implementation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of LaTeX syntax and commands
  • Familiarity with MathJax for rendering mathematical expressions
  • Knowledge of LaTeX environments, such as \begin{equation} and \end{equation}
  • Basic experience with online forums that support LaTeX formatting
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the differences between LaTeX and MathJax for rendering equations
  • Learn about LaTeX packages for automatic equation numbering and labeling
  • Investigate the use of alternative LaTeX tags like \[tex\] and \$$
  • Practice creating complex equations using LaTeX environments
USEFUL FOR

Students, educators, and researchers who frequently use LaTeX for mathematical expressions, as well as forum users seeking to enhance their understanding of LaTeX formatting options.

BruceW
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what are the ## latex symbols??

hi all,
I was wondering, whenever I quote someone's equations, it comes up something like \##\frac{x}{y}\## with these \## symbols... But I have been using \[itex\]\frac{x}{y}\[/itex\]. So what are these \## symbols all about? Are they equivalent to ?<br /> <br /> p.s. I&#039;ve used \and \## so that the computer doesn&amp;#039;t just turn it into latex
 
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Yes, the two are equivalent on PF. Similarly \amd \$$ are equivalent.
 
Yes, they are equivalent to itex tags. It's kind of a shortcut. Similarly, you can type two dollar signs instead of an opening or closing tex tag. Edit: D'oh. I'm always too slow.
 
ah, thanks dudes. /## is much easier to type than /<br /> I wonder if I can use<br /> \begin{equation} \frac{x}{y} \end{equation}<br /> ah, guess not.
 
That one works when I copy and paste it.
\begin{equation} \frac{x}{y} \end{equation} It also works without any tags at all. (The begin and end are sufficient).
\begin{equation} \frac{x}{y} \end{equation} Maybe MathJax was confused by the /## and /earlier in your post? Let&#039;s try it again.<br /> \begin{equation} \frac{x}{y} \end{equation}<br /> Yes, that seems to be the problem.
 
oh cool, thanks.
\begin{equation} \label{eq:practice} \frac{x}{y} \end{equation}
I also tried to label it, but it did not do any automatic label numbering (of the equation). I guess that would be part of some latex package which is not included for the latex of this site. (or something like that. I'm not so knowledgeable about this kind of stuff). It's no problem really, I was just trying it out to see.

I labeled it \ref{eq:practice}
 
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