latex parentheses

Guri Bee

2 min read

·

17-10-2024

1

0

Share

Mastering LaTeX Parentheses: A Guide to Clear and Concise Equations

LaTeX, the powerful typesetting language, offers a range of options for creating beautiful and readable equations. One common element in mathematical expressions is the use of parentheses. Let's dive into the various ways to use parentheses in LaTeX and explore some useful tips and tricks along the way.

Basic Parentheses: Round, Square, and Curly Braces

LaTeX provides three fundamental types of parentheses:

• Round Parentheses: ( and )
• Square Brackets: [ and ]
• Curly Braces: { and }

These are used in various mathematical contexts, such as function arguments, grouping terms, and defining sets.

Example:

\begin{align*}
f(x) &= 2x^2 + 3x - 1 \\
g(x) &= \sin(x) + \cos(x) \\
A &= \{1, 2, 3, 4\}
\end{align*}

Output:

f(x) = 2x^2 + 3x - 1 
g(x) = sin(x) + cos(x) 
A = {1, 2, 3, 4}

Adjusting Parentheses Size: \left and \right

Sometimes, you'll need parentheses that automatically adjust their size based on the content they enclose. This is where \left and \right come into play.

Example:

\begin{align*}
y &= \left( \frac{a + b}{c} \right)^2 \\
z &= \left. \frac{x^2 + 1}{x - 1} \right|_{x=2}
\end{align*}

Output:

y = (a + b / c)^2 
z = (x^2 + 1 / x - 1)|_{x=2} 

Note: \left and \right must always be paired. They can be used with any type of parenthesis, including custom symbols.

Custom Parentheses: Defining Your Own Symbols

LaTeX provides a range of specialized parentheses for specific applications. However, you can also define your own custom symbols using the \left and \right commands.

Example:

\begin{align*}
\left\langle \frac{a}{b} \right\rangle &= \frac{a}{b} \\
\left| \frac{a}{b} \right| &= \left| \frac{a}{b} \right|
\end{align*}

Output:

⟨a/b⟩ = a/b
|a/b| = |a/b| 

Tips:

• To avoid unnecessary whitespace, consider using \kern or \hspace for fine-tuning spacing between parentheses and other symbols.
• For clarity, use parentheses to group expressions within larger formulas.
• In some cases, you might need to adjust the vertical alignment of parentheses. You can use commands like \raisebox or \vcenter for this purpose.

Conclusion

Understanding LaTeX parentheses is crucial for creating well-formatted and visually appealing mathematical expressions. With the help of \left, \right, and custom definitions, you can easily tailor your parentheses to suit any equation. This guide provides a solid foundation for mastering the art of using parentheses in your LaTeX documents.