Help:Formula

From The Book of THoTH (Leaves of Wisdom)

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Contents

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MediaWiki and TeX

MediaWiki uses a subset of TeX markup (including some extensions from LaTeX and AMSLaTeX) for mathematical formulae. It generates either PNG images or simple HTML markup, depending on user preferences and the complexity of the expression. In the future, as more browsers are smarter, it will be able to generate enhanced HTML or even MathML in many cases.

More precisely, MediaWiki filters the markup through Texvc, which in turn passes the commands to TeX for the actual rendering. Thus, only a limited part of the full TeX language is supported; see below for details.

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Syntax

Math markup goes inside <math> ... </math>. The edit toolbar has a button for this.

Similarly to HTML, in TeX extra spaces and newlines are ignored.

MediaWiki templates, variables and parameters cannot be used within math tags, see m:Template talk:Demo of attempt to use parameters within TeX.

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Rendering

The PNG images are black on white (not transparent). These colors, as well as font sizes and types, are independent of browser settings or CSS. Font sizes and types will often deviate from what HTML renders. Vertical alignment with the surrounding text can also be a problem. The css selector of the images is img.tex.

It should be pointed out that most of these shortcomings have been addressed by Maynard Handley, but have not been released yet.

The alt attribute of the PNG images (the text that is displayed if your browser can't display images; Internet Explorer shows it up in the hover box) is the wikitext that produced them, excluding the <math> and </math>.

Apart from function and operator names, as is customary in mathematics for variables, letters are in italics; digits are not. For other text, (like variable labels) to avoid being rendered in italics like variables, use \mbox or \mathrm. For example, <math>\mbox{abc}</math> gives Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \mbox{abc} .

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TeX vs HTML

Before introducing TeX markup for producing special characters, it should be noted that, as this comparison table shows, sometimes similar results can be achieved in HTML (see Help:Special characters).

TeX Syntax (forcing PNG) TeX Rendering HTML Syntax HTML Rendering
<math>\alpha\,</math> Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \alpha\, &alpha; α
<math>\sqrt{2}</math> Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \sqrt{2} &radic;2 √2
<math>\sqrt{1-e^2}</math> Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \sqrt{1-e^2} &radic;(1-''e''&sup2;) √(1-e²)

The use of HTML instead of TeX is still under discussion. The arguments either way can be summarised as follows.

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Pros of HTML

  1. In-line HTML formulae always align properly with the rest of the HTML text.
  2. The formula's background, font size and face match the rest of HTML contents and the appearance respects CSS and browser settings.
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Pros of TeX

  1. TeX is semantically superior to HTML. In TeX, "<math>x</math>" means "mathematical variable Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): x

", whereas in HTML "x" could mean anything. Information has irremediably been lost.

  1. TeX has been specifically designed for typesetting formulae, so input is easier and more natural, and output is more aesthetically pleasing. Also anybody who has written mathematics at a professional level is already familiar with TeX.
  2. One consequence of point 1 is that TeX can be transformed in HTML, but not vice-versa. This means that on the server side we can always transform a formula, based on its complexity and location within the text, user preferences, type of browser, etc. Therefore, where possible, all the benefits of HTML can be retained, together with the benefits of TeX. It's true that the current situation is not ideal, but that's not a good reason to drop information/contents. It's more a reason to help improve the situation.
  3. When writing in TeX, editors need not worry about whether this or that version of this or that browser supports this or that HTML entity. The burden of these decisions is put on the server. This doesn't hold for HTML formulae, which can easily end up being rendered wrongly or differently from the editor's intentions on a different browser.
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Functions, symbols, special characters

Feature Syntax How it looks rendered
Accents/Diacritics 
\acute{a} \quad \grave{a} \quad \breve{a}
\check{a} \quad \tilde{a}
 Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \acute{a} \quad \grave{a} \quad \breve{a}


Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \check{a} \quad \tilde{a}

Std. functions (good) 
\sin x + \ln y +\operatorname{sgn} z
\sin a \ \cos b \ \tan c
\cot d \ \sec e \ \csc f
\sinh g \ \cosh h \ \tanh i \ \coth j
\arcsin k \ \arccos l \ \arctan m
\lim n \ \limsup o \ \liminf p
\min q \ \max r \ \inf s \ \sup t
\exp u \ \lg v \ \log w
\ker x \ \deg x \gcd x \Pr x
\det x \hom x \ \arg x \dim x
 Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \sin x + \ln y +\operatorname{sgn} z


Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \sin a \ \cos b \ \tan c
Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \cot d \ \sec e \ \csc f
Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \sinh g \ \cosh h \ \tanh i \ \coth j
Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \arcsin k \ \arccos l \ \arctan m
Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \lim n \ \limsup o \ \liminf p
Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \min q \ \max r \ \inf s \ \sup t
Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \exp u \ \lg v \ \log w
Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \ker x \ \deg x \gcd x \Pr x
Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \det x \hom x \ \arg x \dim x

Std. functions (wrong) 
sin x + ln y + sgn z
 Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): sin x + ln y + sgn z\,\!
Modular arithmetic 
s_k \equiv 0 \pmod{m}
a \bmod b
 Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): s_k \equiv 0 \pmod{m}


Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): a \bmod b\,\!

Derivatives 
\nabla \; \partial x \; dx \; \dot x \; \ddot y
 Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \nabla \; \partial x \; dx \; \dot x \; \ddot y
Sets

(Square symbols may not work for some wikis) 

\forall \; \exists \; \empty \; \emptyset \; \varnothing
\in \ni \not\in \notin \subset \subseteq
\supset \supseteq \cap \bigcap \cup \bigcup \biguplus
 Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \forall \; \exists \; \empty \; \emptyset \; \varnothing


Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \in \ni \not\in \notin \subset \subseteq \,
Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \supset \supseteq \cap \bigcap \cup \bigcup \biguplus 

\sqsubset \sqsubseteq \sqsupset \sqsupseteq
\sqcap \sqcup \bigsqcup
 Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \sqsubset \sqsubseteq \sqsupset \sqsupseteq


Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \sqcap \sqcup \bigsqcup

Logic 
p \land \wedge \; \bigwedge \; \bar{q} \to p
\lor \; \vee \; \bigvee \; \lnot \; \neg q
\setminus \; \smallsetminus
 Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): p \land \wedge \; \bigwedge \; \bar{q} \to p


Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \lor \; \vee \; \bigvee \; \lnot \; \neg q
Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \setminus \; \smallsetminus

Root 
\sqrt{2}\approx 1.4
 Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \sqrt{2}\approx 1.4 
\sqrt[n]{x}
 Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \sqrt[n]{x}
Relations 
\sim \; \approx \; \simeq \; \cong
\le \; < \; \ll \; \gg \; \ge >
\equiv \; \not\equiv \; \ne \; \propto
\pm \; \mp
 Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \sim \; \approx \; \simeq \; \cong


Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \le \; < \; \ll \; \gg \; \ge \; >
Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \equiv \; \not\equiv \; \ne \; \propto
Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \pm \; \mp

Geometric 
\Diamond \; \Box \; \triangle \; \angle \; \perp 
\; \mid \; \nmid \; \| \; 45^\circ
 Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \Diamond \; \Box \; \triangle \; \angle \; \perp

\; \mid \; \nmid \; \| \; 45^\circ

Arrows

(Harpoons may not work for some wikis) 

\leftarrow \; \gets \; \rightarrow \; \to
\leftrightarrow \; \longleftarrow \; \longrightarrow
\mapsto \; \longmapsto
\hookrightarrow \; \hookleftarrow
\nearrow \; \searrow \; \swarrow \; \nwarrow
\uparrow \; \downarrow \; \updownarrow
 Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \leftarrow \; \gets \; \rightarrow \; \to


Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \leftrightarrow \; \longleftarrow \; \longrightarrow
Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \mapsto \; \longmapsto
Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \hookrightarrow \; \hookleftarrow
Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \nearrow \; \searrow \; \swarrow \; \nwarrow
Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \uparrow \; \downarrow \; \updownarrow 

\rightharpoonup \; \rightharpoondown 
\; \leftharpoonup \; \leftharpoondown 
\; \upharpoonleft \; \upharpoonright 
\; \downharpoonleft \; \downharpoonright
 Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \rightharpoonup \; \rightharpoondown

\; \leftharpoonup \; \leftharpoondown \; \upharpoonleft \; \upharpoonright \; \downharpoonleft \; \downharpoonright 

\Leftarrow \; \Rightarrow \; \Leftrightarrow
\Longleftarrow \; \Longrightarrow
\Longleftrightarrow (or \iff)
\Uparrow \; \Downarrow \; \Updownarrow
 Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \Leftarrow \; \Rightarrow \; \Leftrightarrow


Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \Longleftarrow \; \Longrightarrow
Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \Longleftrightarrow (or \iff)
Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \Uparrow \; \Downarrow \; \Updownarrow

Special 
\eth \; \S \; \P \; \% \; \dagger \; \ddagger
\star \; * \; \ldots \smile \frown \wr
 Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \eth \; \S \; \P \; \% \; \dagger \; \ddagger


Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \star \; * \; \ldots \; \smile \frown \wr 

\oplus \bigoplus \otimes \bigotimes
\times \cdot \circ \bullet \bigodot
 Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \oplus \bigoplus \otimes \bigotimes


Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \times \cdot \circ \bullet \bigodot 

\triangleleft \triangleright \infty \bot \top
\vdash \vDash \Vdash \models \lVert \rVert
 Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \triangleleft \triangleright \infty \bot \top


Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \vdash \vDash \Vdash \models \lVert \rVert 

\imath \; \hbar \; \ell \; \mho \; \Finv
\Re \; \Im \; \wp \; \complement
 Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \imath \; \hbar \; \ell \; \mho \; \Finv


Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \Re \; \Im \; \wp \; \complement 

\diamondsuit \; \heartsuit \; \clubsuit \; \spadesuit
\Game \; \flat \; \natural \; \sharp
 Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \diamondsuit \; \heartsuit \; \clubsuit \; \spadesuit


Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \Game \; \flat \; \natural \; \sharp

Lowercase \mathcal has some extras 
\mathcal {45abcdenpqs}
 Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \mathcal {45abcdenpqs}
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Subscripts, superscripts, integrals

FeatureSyntaxHow it looks rendered
HTMLPNG
Superscript
a^2
Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): a^2 Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): a^2 \,\!
Subscript
a_2
Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): a_2 Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): a_2 \,\!
Grouping
a^{2+2}
Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): a^{2+2} Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): a^{2+2}\,\! 
a_{i,j}
Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): a_{i,j} Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): a_{i,j}\,\!
Combining sub & super
x_2^3
Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): x_2^3
Preceding sub & super
{}_1^2\!X_3^4
Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): {}_1^2\!X_3^4
Derivative (forced PNG)
x', y'', f', f''\!
 Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): x', y'', f', f''\!
Derivative (f in italics may overlap primes in HTML)
x', y'', f', f''
Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): x', y'', f', f'' Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): x', y'', f', f''\!
Derivative (wrong in HTML)
x^\prime, y^{\prime\prime}
Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): x^\prime, y^{\prime\prime} Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): x^\prime, y^{\prime\prime}\,\!
Derivative (wrong in PNG)
x\prime, y\prime\prime
Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): x\prime, y\prime\prime Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): x\prime, y\prime\prime\,\!
Derivative dots
\dot{x}, \ddot{x}
Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \dot{x}, \ddot{x}
Underlines, overlines, vectors
\hat a \ \bar b \ \vec c
Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \hat a \ \bar b \ \vec c 
\overrightarrow{a b} \ \overleftarrow{c d} \ \widehat{d e f}
Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \overrightarrow{a b} \ \overleftarrow{c d} \ \widehat{d e f} 
\overline{g h i} \ \underline{j k l}
Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \overline{g h i} \ \underline{j k l}
Overbraces
\begin{matrix} 5050 \\ \overbrace{ 1+2+\cdots+100 } \end{matrix}
Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \begin{matrix} 5050 \\ \overbrace{ 1+2+\cdots+100 } \end{matrix}
Underbraces
\begin{matrix} \underbrace{ a+b+\cdots+z } \\ 26 \end{matrix}
Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \begin{matrix} \underbrace{ a+b+\cdots+z } \\ 26 \end{matrix}
Sum
\sum_{k=1}^N k^2
Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \sum_{k=1}^N k^2
Sum (force \textstyle)
\begin{matrix} \sum_{k=1}^N k^2 \end{matrix}
Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \begin{matrix} \sum_{k=1}^N k^2 \end{matrix}
Product
\prod_{i=1}^N x_i
Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \prod_{i=1}^N x_i
Product (force \textstyle)
\begin{matrix} \prod_{i=1}^N x_i \end{matrix}
Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \begin{matrix} \prod_{i=1}^N x_i \end{matrix}
Coproduct
\coprod_{i=1}^N x_i
Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \coprod_{i=1}^N x_i
Coproduct (force \textstyle)
\begin{matrix} \coprod_{i=1}^N x_i \end{matrix}
Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \begin{matrix} \coprod_{i=1}^N x_i \end{matrix}
Limit
\lim_{n \to \infty}x_n
Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \lim_{n \to \infty}x_n
Limit (force \textstyle)
\begin{matrix} \lim_{n \to \infty}x_n \end{matrix}
Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \begin{matrix} \lim_{n \to \infty}x_n \end{matrix}
Integral
\int_{-N}^{N} e^x\, dx
Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \int_{-N}^{N} e^x\, dx
Integral (force \textstyle)
\begin{matrix} \int_{-N}^{N} e^x\, dx \end{matrix}
Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \begin{matrix} \int_{-N}^{N} e^x\, dx \end{matrix}
Double integral
\iint_{D}^{W} \, dx\,dy
Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \iint_{D}^{W} \, dx\,dy
Triple integral
\iiint_{E}^{V} \, dx\,dy\,dz
Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \iiint_{E}^{V} \, dx\,dy\,dz
Quadruple integral
\iiiint_{F}^{U} \, dx\,dy\,dz\,dt
Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \iiiint_{F}^{U} \, dx\,dy\,dz\,dt
Path integral
\oint_{C} x^3\, dx + 4y^2\, dy
Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \oint_{C} x^3\, dx + 4y^2\, dy
Intersections
\bigcap_1^{n} p
Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \bigcap_1^{n} p
Unions
\bigcup_1^{k} p
Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \bigcup_1^{k} p


</table>

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Fractions, matrices, multilines

Feature Syntax How it looks rendered
Fractions \frac{2}{4}=0.5 or {2 \over 4}=0.5 Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \frac{2}{4}=0.5
Small Fractions (force \textstyle) \begin{matrix} \frac{2}{4} \end{matrix} = 0.5 Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \begin{matrix} \frac{2}{4} \end{matrix} = 0.5
Binomial coefficients {n \choose k} Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): {n \choose k}
Matrices \begin{matrix} x & y \\ z & v \end{matrix} Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \begin{matrix} x & y \\ z & v

\end{matrix}

\begin{vmatrix} x & y \\ z & v \end{vmatrix} Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \begin{vmatrix} x & y \\ z & v

\end{vmatrix}

\begin{Vmatrix} x & y \\ z & v \end{Vmatrix} Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \begin{Vmatrix} x & y \\ z & v

\end{Vmatrix}

\begin{bmatrix} 0 & \cdots & 0 \\ \vdots &

\ddots & \vdots \\ 0 & \cdots &

0\end{bmatrix}		 Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \begin{bmatrix} 0 & \cdots & 0 \\ \vdots

& \ddots & \vdots \\ 0 & \cdots & 0\end{bmatrix}

\begin{Bmatrix} x & y \\ z & v \end{Bmatrix} Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \begin{Bmatrix} x & y \\ z & v

\end{Bmatrix}

\begin{pmatrix} x & y \\ z & v \end{pmatrix} Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \begin{pmatrix} x & y \\ z & v

\end{pmatrix}

Case distinctions f(n) = \begin{cases} n/2, & \mbox{if }n\mbox{ is even} \\ 3n+1, & \mbox{if }n\mbox{ is odd} \end{cases} Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): f(n) = \begin{cases} n/2, & \mbox{if }n\mbox{ is even} \\ 3n+1, & \mbox{if }n\mbox{ is odd} \end{cases}
One text on top of another {ab} \atop {c} Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): {ab} \atop {c}
Multiline equations \begin{matrix}f(n+1) & = & (n+1)^2 \\ \ & = & n^2 + 2n + 1 \end{matrix} Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \begin{matrix}f(n+1) & = & (n+1)^2 \\ \ & = & n^2 + 2n + 1 \end{matrix}
Alternative multiline equations (using tables) 

{|
|-
|<math>f(n+1)</math>
|<math>=(n+1)^2</math>
|-
|
|<math>=n^2 + 2n + 1</math>
|}
Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): f(n+1) \,\! Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): =(n+1)^2 \,\!
Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): =n^2 + 2n + 1 \,\!
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Fonts

Feature Syntax How it looks rendered
Greek alphabet
(Note the lack of omicron; note also that several upper case Greek letters are rendered identically to the corresponding Roman ones)

\Alpha\ \Beta\ \Gamma\ \Delta\ \Epsilon\ \Zeta\ \Eta\ \Theta\ \Iota\ \Kappa\ \Lambda\ \Mu\ \Nu\ \Xi\ \Pi\ \Rho\ \Sigma\ \Tau\ \Upsilon\ \Phi\ \Chi\ \Psi\ \Omega

\alpha\ \beta\ \gamma\ \delta\ \epsilon\ \zeta\ \eta\ \theta\ \iota\ \kappa\ \lambda\ \mu\ \nu\ \xi\ \pi\ \rho\ \sigma\ \tau\ \upsilon\ \phi\ \chi\ \psi\ \omega

\varepsilon\ \digamma\ \vartheta\ \varkappa\ \varpi\ \varrho\ \varsigma\ \varphi

Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \Alpha\ \Beta\ \Gamma\ \Delta\ \Epsilon\ \Zeta\ \Eta\ \Theta\ \Iota\ \Kappa\ \Lambda\ \Mu\ \Nu\ \Xi\ \Pi\ \Rho\ \Sigma\ \Tau\ \Upsilon\ \Phi\ \Chi\ \Psi\ \Omega

Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \alpha\ \beta\ \gamma\ \delta\ \epsilon\ \zeta\ \eta\ \theta\ \iota\ \kappa\ \lambda\ \mu\ \nu\ \xi\ \pi\ \rho\ \sigma\ \tau\ \upsilon\ \phi\ \chi\ \psi\ \omega

Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \varepsilon\ \digamma\ \vartheta\ \varkappa\ \varpi\ \varrho\ \varsigma\ \varphi

blackboard bold \mathbb{N}\ \mathbb{Z}\ \mathbb{Q}\ \mathbb{R}\ \mathbb{C} Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \mathbb{N}\ \mathbb{Z}\ \mathbb{Q}\ \mathbb{R}\ \mathbb{C}
boldface (vectors) \mathbf{x}\cdot\mathbf{y} = 0 Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \mathbf{x}\cdot\mathbf{y} = 0
boldface (greek) \boldsymbol{\alpha} + \boldsymbol{\beta} + \boldsymbol{\gamma} Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \boldsymbol{\alpha} + \boldsymbol{\beta} + \boldsymbol{\gamma}
italics \mathit{ABCDE abcde 1234} Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \mathit{ABCDE abcde 1234}\,\!
Roman typeface \mathrm{ABCDE abcde 1234} Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \mathrm{ABCDE abcde 1234}\,\!
Fraktur typeface \mathfrak{ABCDE abcde 1234} Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \mathfrak{ABCDE abcde 1234}
Calligraphy/Script \mathcal{ABCDE abcde 1234} Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \mathcal{ABCDE abcde 1234}
Hebrew \aleph \beth \gimel \daleth Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \aleph\ \beth\ \gimel\ \daleth
non-italicised characters \mbox{abc} Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \mbox{abc} Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \mbox{abc} \,\!
mixed italics (bad) \mbox{if} n \mbox{is even} Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \mbox{if} n \mbox{is even} Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \mbox{if} n \mbox{is even} \,\!
mixed italics (good) \mbox{if }n\mbox{ is even} Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \mbox{if }n\mbox{ is even} Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \mbox{if }n\mbox{ is even} \,\!
[edit]

Parenthesizing big expressions, brackets, bars

Feature Syntax How it looks rendered
Bad ( \frac{1}{2} ) Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): ( \frac{1}{2} )
Good \left ( \frac{1}{2} \right ) Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \left ( \frac{1}{2} \right )

You can use various delimiters with \left and \right:

Feature Syntax How it looks rendered
Parentheses \left ( \frac{a}{b} \right ) Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \left ( \frac{a}{b} \right )
Brackets \left [ \frac{a}{b} \right ] \quad \left \lbrack \frac{a}{b} \right \rbrack Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \left [ \frac{a}{b} \right ] \quad \left \lbrack \frac{a}{b} \right \rbrack
Braces \left \{ \frac{a}{b} \right \} \quad \left \lbrace \frac{a}{b} \right \rbrace Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \left \{ \frac{a}{b} \right \} \quad \left \lbrace \frac{a}{b} \right \rbrace
Angle brackets \left \langle \frac{a}{b} \right \rangle Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \left \langle \frac{a}{b} \right \rangle
Bars and double bars \left | \frac{a}{b} \right \vert \left \Vert \frac{c}{d} \right \| Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \left | \frac{a}{b} \right \vert \left \Vert \frac{c}{d} \right \|
Floor and ceiling functions: \left \lfloor \frac{a}{b} \right \rfloor \left \lceil \frac{c}{d} \right \rceil Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \left \lfloor \frac{a}{b} \right \rfloor \left \lceil \frac{c}{d} \right \rceil
Slashes and backslashes \left / \frac{a}{b} \right \backslash Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \left / \frac{a}{b} \right \backslash
Up, down and up-down arrows \left \uparrow \frac{a}{b} \right \downarrow \quad \left \Uparrow \frac{a}{b} \right \Downarrow \quad \left \updownarrow \frac{a}{b} \right \Updownarrow Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \left \uparrow \frac{a}{b} \right \downarrow \quad \left \Uparrow \frac{a}{b} \right \Downarrow \quad \left \updownarrow \frac{a}{b} \right \Updownarrow

Delimiters can be mixed,
as long as \left and \right match

\left [ 0,1 \right )
\left \langle \psi \right |

Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \left [ 0,1 \right )
Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \left \langle \psi \right |

Use \left. and \right. if you don't
want a delimiter to appear:		 \left . \frac{A}{B} \right \} \to X Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \left . \frac{A}{B} \right \} \to X
Size of the delimiters \big( \Big( \bigg( \Bigg( ... \Bigg] \bigg] \Big] \big]

Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \big( \Big( \bigg( \Bigg( ... \Bigg] \bigg] \Big] \big]

\big\{ \Big\{ \bigg\{ \Bigg\{ ... \Bigg\rangle \bigg\rangle \Big\rangle \big\rangle

Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \big\{ \Big\{ \bigg\{ \Bigg\{ ... \Bigg\rangle \bigg\rangle \Big\rangle \big\rangle

\big\| \Big\| \bigg\| \Bigg\| ... \Bigg| \bigg| \Big| \big| Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \big\| \Big\| \bigg\| \Bigg\| ... \Bigg| \bigg| \Big| \big|
\big\lfloor \Big\lfloor \bigg\lfloor \Bigg\lfloor ... \Bigg\rceil \bigg\rceil \Big\rceil \big\rceil

Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \big\lfloor \Big\lfloor \bigg\lfloor \Bigg\lfloor ... \Bigg\rceil \bigg\rceil \Big\rceil \big\rceil

\big\uparrow \Big\uparrow \bigg\uparrow \Bigg\uparrow ... \Bigg\Downarrow \bigg\Downarrow \Big\Downarrow \big\Downarrow

Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \big\uparrow \Big\uparrow \bigg\uparrow \Bigg\uparrow ... \Bigg\Downarrow \bigg\Downarrow \Big\Downarrow \big\Downarrow

\big\updownarrow \Big\updownarrow \bigg\updownarrow \Bigg\updownarrow ... \Bigg\Updownarrow \bigg\Updownarrow \Big\Updownarrow \big\Updownarrow

Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \big\updownarrow \Big\updownarrow \bigg\updownarrow \Bigg\updownarrow ... \Bigg\Updownarrow \bigg\Updownarrow \Big\Updownarrow \big\Updownarrow

\big / \Big / \bigg / \Bigg / ... \Bigg\backslash \bigg\backslash \Big\backslash \big\backslash

Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \big / \Big / \bigg / \Bigg / ... \Bigg\backslash \bigg\backslash \Big\backslash \big\backslash

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Spacing

Note that TeX handles most spacing automatically, but you may sometimes want manual control.

Feature Syntax How it looks rendered
double quad space< a \qquad b Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): a \qquad b
quad space a \quad b Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): a \quad b
text space a\ b Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): a\ b
text space without PNG conversion a \mbox{ } b Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): a \mbox{ } b
large space a\;b Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): a\;b
medium space a\>b [not supported]
small space a\,b Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): a\,b
no space ab Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): ab\,
small negative space a\!b Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): a\!b
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Align with normal text flow

Due to the default css 

img.tex { vertical-align: middle; }

an inline expression like Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \int_{-N}^{N} e^x\, dx 

should look good.

If you need to align it otherwise, use <font style="vertical-align:-100%;"><math>...</math></font> and play with the vertical-align argument until you get it right; however, how it looks may depend on the browser and the browser settings.

Also note that if you rely on this workaround, if/when the rendering on the server gets fixed in future releases, as a result of this extra manual offset your formulae will suddenly be aligned incorrectly. So use it sparingly, if at all.

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Forced PNG rendering

To force the formula to render as PNG, add \, (small space) at the end of the formula (where it is not rendered). This will force PNG if the user is in "HTML if simple" mode, but not for "HTML if possible" mode (math rendering settings in preferences).

You can also use \,\! (small space and negative space, which cancel out) anywhere inside the math tags. This does force PNG even in "HTML if possible" mode, unlike \,.

This could be useful to keep the rendering of formulae in a proof consistent, for example, or to fix formulae that render incorrectly in HTML (at one time, a^{2+2} rendered with an extra underscore), or to demonstrate how something is rendered when it would normally show up as HTML (as in the examples above).

For instance:

Syntax How it looks rendered Comments
a^{c+2} Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): a^{c+2}
a^{c+2} \, Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): a^{c+2} \,
a^{\,\!c+2} Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): a^{\,\!c+2}
a^{b^{c+2}} Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): a^{b^{c+2}} (WRONG with option "HTML if possible or else PNG"!)
a^{b^{c+2}} \, Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): a^{b^{c+2}} \, (WRONG with option "HTML if possible or else PNG"!)
a^{b^{c+2}}\approx 5 Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): a^{b^{c+2}}\approx 5 (due to "Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \approx

" correctly displayed, no code "\,\!" needed)

a^{b^{\,\!c+2}} Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): a^{b^{\,\!c+2}}
\int_{-N}^{N} e^x\, dx Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \int_{-N}^{N} e^x\, dx

This has been tested with most of the formulae on this page, and seems to work perfectly.

You might want to include a comment in the HTML so people don't "correct" the formula by removing it:

<!-- The \,\! is to keep the formula rendered as PNG instead of HTML. Please don't remove it.-->
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Examples

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Quadratic Polynomial

Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): ax^2 + bx + c = 0



<math>ax^2 + bx + c = 0</math>
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Quadratic Polynomial (Force PNG Rendering)

Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): ax^2 + bx + c = 0\,



<math>ax^2 + bx + c = 0\,</math>

x equals minus b plus or minus square root b squared minus 4ac all divided by 2a

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Tall Parentheses and Fractions 

Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): 2 = \left( \frac{\left(3-x\right) \times 2}{3-x} \right)



<math>2 = \left( \frac{\left(3-x\right) \times 2}{3-x} \right)</math>
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Integrals

Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \int_a^x \int_a^s f(y)\,dy\,ds = \int_a^x f(y)(x-y)\,dy



<math>\int_a^x \int_a^s f(y)\,dy\,ds = \int_a^x f(y)(x-y)\,dy</math>
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Summation

Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \sum_{m=1}^\infty\sum_{n=1}^\infty\frac{m^2\,n}{3^m\left(m\,3^n+n\,3^m\right)}



<math>\sum_{m=1}^\infty\sum_{n=1}^\infty\frac{m^2\,n}
{3^m\left(m\,3^n+n\,3^m\right)}</math>
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Differential Equation 

Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): u'' + p(x)u' + q(x)u=f(x),\quad x>a



<math>u'' + p(x)u' + q(x)u=f(x),\quad x>a</math>
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Complex numbers

Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): |\bar{z}| = |z|, |(\bar{z})^n| = |z|^n, \arg(z^n) = n \arg(z)\,



<math>|\bar{z}| = |z|, |(\bar{z})^n| = |z|^n, \arg(z^n) = n \arg(z)\,</math>
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Limits

Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \lim_{z\rightarrow z_0} f(z)=f(z_0)\,



<math>\lim_{z\rightarrow z_0} f(z)=f(z_0)\,</math>
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Integral Equation

Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \phi_n(\kappa) = \frac{1}{4\pi^2\kappa^2} \int_0^\infty \frac{\sin(\kappa R)}{\kappa R} \frac{\partial}{\partial R}\left[R^2\frac{\partial D_n(R)}{\partial R}\right]\,dR



<math>\phi_n(\kappa) = \frac{1}{4\pi^2\kappa^2} \int_0^\infty
\frac{\sin(\kappa R)}{\kappa R} \frac{\partial}{\partial R}\left[R^2\frac{\partial
D_n(R)}{\partial R}\right]\,dR</math>
[edit]

Example

Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): \phi_n(\kappa) = 0.033C_n^2\kappa^{-11/3},\quad \frac{1}{L_0}\ll\kappa\ll\frac{1}{l_0}\,



<math>\phi_n(\kappa) = 
0.033C_n^2\kappa^{-11/3},\quad \frac{1}{L_0}\ll\kappa\ll\frac{1}{l_0}\,</math>
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Continuation and cases

Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): f(x) = \begin{cases}1 & -1 \le x < 0\\
\frac{1}{2} & x = 0\\x&0<x\le 1\end{cases}



<math>f(x) = \begin{cases}1 & -1 \le x < 0\\
\frac{1}{2} & x = 0\\x&0<x\le 1\end{cases}</math>
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Prefixed subscript

Failed to parse (Can't write to or create math output directory): {}_pF_q(a_1,...,a_p;c_1,...,c_q;z) = \sum_{n=0}^\infty \frac{(a_1)_n\cdot\cdot\cdot(a_p)_n}{(c_1)_n\cdot\cdot\cdot(c_q)_n}\frac{z^n}{n!}\,



 <math>{}_pF_q(a_1,...,a_p;c_1,...,c_q;z) = \sum_{n=0}^\infty
\frac{(a_1)_n\cdot\cdot\cdot(a_p)_n}{(c_1)_n\cdot\cdot\cdot(c_q)_n}\frac{z^n}{n!}\,</math>

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Bug reports

Discussions, bug reports and feature requests should go to the Wikitech-l mailing list. These can also be filed on Mediazilla under MediaWiki extensions.

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See also

  • Typesetting of mathematical formulas
  • Proposed m:GNU LilyPond support
  • Table of mathematical symbols
  • m:Blahtex, or blahtex: a LaTeX to MathML converter for Wikipedia
  • General help for editing a Wiki page
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External links

Template:H:f

Retrieved from "http://www.book-of-thoth.com/thebook/index.php/Help:Formula"