LaTeX
1 Download LaTeX
The link to the LaTeX official website is below. Follow the instructions here to start the download process. https://www.latex-project.org/get/
In addition to the language itself, it is highly recommended that you use an LaTeX editor such as Overleaf or Texstudio Q for easier usage of the language.
2 Why do we use LaTeX and what can LaTeX do?
LaTeX can be used to produce documents with precise formatting. This is very helpful for your future research papers or presentations. It can also be handy in creating complex yet professional-looking mathematical formulas. Here is an example:
x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}
3 Document classes and packages in LaTeX
LaTeX uses document classes to create documents. These classes usually include article, book, report, letter, and more.
Here is an example piece of code for declaring an article class. You can always add features such as text size, paper size, etc in the options brackets. "\documentclass[options]{article}"
"\begin{document}"
(Put your text in this section!)
"\end{document}"
3.1 Algorithm
In addition to those classes, LaTeX also has some more specialized packages like “algorithm”. “Algorithm” is a commonly used package that provides an environment for formatting pseudo-code.
Below is the syntax for declaring an algorithmic section in your document.
"\begin{algorithmic}"
(Put your code in this section!)
"\end{algorithmic}"
3.2 Beamer
Another useful class in LaTeX is “beamer.” This document is for presentation.
Note: beamer class have a unique syntax in which you will need to declare each frame for presentation, below is an example:
"\documentclass{beamer}"
"\begin{document}"
"\frame{\FirstPage}"
"\begin{frame}"
(Put your presentation in here!)
"\end{frame}"
"\end{document}"
3.3 Tables for basic types of classes and their function
| document classes | function |
|---|---|
| article | articles in scientific journals, presentations, short reports |
| book | books |
| beamer | presentations |
| report | long reports contain multiple chapters |
| slides | sildes |
4 Mathematic Expressions
4.1 Basic syntax for inline math formula
To use an inline math formula for LaTeX, you can use the following syntax:
"\(...\)"
"$...$"
"\begin{math}...\end{math}"
4.2 Write mathematical formula
Mathematical equations can be formed using mathbf. Here is an example:
"[latex]\mathbf{\alpha+\beta}[/latex]"
\mathbf{\alpha+\beta}
4.3 Matrix, vector, tensor
Example code for a matrix:
"\begin{matrix}"
"1 & 2 & 3\\"
"a & b & c"
"\end{matrix}"
\begin{matrix}
1 & 2 & 3\\
a & b & c
\end{matrix}
Example code for a vector:
"\mathbf{Z} = \mathbf{X} + \mathbf{Y}"
\mathbf{Z} = \mathbf{X} + \mathbf{Y}
Example code for a tensor:
"\sum_{i=1}^n X^i Y^{1-i}"
\sum_{i=1}^n X^i Y^{1-i}
4.4 Table for mathematic operations
| Operation | Latex Expression |
|---|---|
| \times | " \times " |
| \div | " \div " |
| \leq | " \leq " |
| \geq | " \geq " |
| \approx | " \approx " |
| \equiv | " \equiv " |
| \cap | " \cap " |
| \cup | " \cup " |
5 Additional Resources and Tutorial
Here is a beginner friendly online tutorial for LaTeX:
https://www.learnlatex.org/en/
Follow this link for a more specific introduction of different classes and their features. https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/LaTeX/Document_Structure
Short Form Latex tutorial video: https://youtu.be/lgiCpA4zzGU?si=zzA8fN7TrTnWsw02 Longform Latex tutorial video, starts in the Overleaf browser, then moves to offline application: https://youtu.be/ydOTMQC7np0?si=oFs66SgbMDxW68f2