How to write your homework using LaTeX

Introduction to LaTeX for STEM Students

Importance of LaTeX

• LaTeX is recommended for STEM students or anyone using equations, as it produces high-quality documents.

• It is widely used in academia, particularly by professors for homework and tests, making early adoption beneficial.

Video Overview

• This video serves as a complete introduction to LaTeX for beginners with no prior knowledge.

• A link to a specific template on Overleaf.com is provided for viewers to adapt for their own use.

Getting Started with Overleaf

Navigating the Interface

• Upon opening Overleaf, users see code on the left and a document preview on the right.

• Users can switch between code editor and visual editor modes; the visual editor simplifies writing by hiding complex code.

Customizing Your Document

• The document preamble contains formatting settings; users should change their name and homework title here.

• The date and page number are automatically included in the document footer from the preamble settings.

Writing Mathematics in LaTeX

Basic Mathematical Syntax

• Mathematical expressions are enclosed within backslash square brackets, indicating that they are equations.

• The symbol palette in Overleaf helps users find symbols while learning their names; integral notation starts with int.

Using Operators and Limits

• To denote limits in integrals, underscores (_) indicate lower bounds while carets (^) indicate upper bounds.

• Curly braces `` group multiple symbols together when needed under limits or other mathematical constructs.

Summation Notation

• Summation uses sum followed by underscores for lower limits; curly braces help define ranges clearly.

• Greek letters like Delta can be accessed easily through commands such as Delta (for capital Delta).

Introduction to LaTeX for Mathematical Equations

Basic Structure and Commands

• The video introduces the use of LaTeX for writing mathematical equations, emphasizing its elegance and efficiency with just a few commands.

• Viewers are shown how to create problems in LaTeX, highlighting the need to recompile after adding new content to see changes reflected on the right side of the editor.

• The speaker prefers manual recompilation for better control over the editing process, noting a custom coding choice that labels problems sequentially.

Customizing Problem Labels

• The method used to label problems involves using begin enumerate and specific commands that allow easy customization of problem titles (e.g., changing "problems" to "questions").

• This flexibility in labeling demonstrates one of LaTeX's strengths: making global changes without needing to adjust each instance manually.

Creating Tables in LaTeX

Inserting Tables

• The speaker discusses creating tables, acknowledging their complexity but also introducing a visual wizard tool for easier insertion.

• A demonstration is provided on inserting a 3x2 table, illustrating common pitfalls such as floating objects appearing at unexpected locations.

Adjusting Table Placement

• To control table placement more precisely, users can add [H] after begin table, which instructs LaTeX to place it exactly where specified.

• Further customization includes adjusting borders around tables; this showcases the balance between visual editing and code manipulation.

Referencing Tables and Creating Matrices

Referencing Mechanism

• The video explains how to reference tables within text using specific commands that automatically update references if tables are added or removed.

Matrix Formatting

• For matrices, similar formatting rules apply as with tables; however, they utilize different commands (begin Bmatrix) indicating brackets around matrix elements.

Inserting Figures into Documents

Uploading Images

How to Format Equations and Images in LaTeX

Inserting Images and Managing Layout

• The speaker discusses inserting a figure into the document without using captions or labels, opting for simplicity while ensuring the image is half the width of the page.

• An issue arises where an image cannot fit in the designated space, causing it to be placed in the next available spot. The speaker notes that manual adjustments may be necessary.

• To control layout, one can insert a "new page" command to ensure that subsequent content (like question six) appears after an image, creating a cleaner presentation.

Aligning Equations for Clarity

• The speaker introduces complex equations, emphasizing alignment for aesthetic appeal. This is achieved through specific LaTeX commands (beginalign and endalign).

• By using ampersands (&), equal signs are aligned vertically across multiple equations, enhancing readability and earning favor with professors.

Creating Enumerated Lists

• For questions with multiple parts, the speaker demonstrates how to create enumerated lists using LaTeX's enumerate environment.

• Nested enumerations allow for automatic formatting; outer items are numbered while inner items use letters (A, B, C). Adjustments can be made by modifying parameters within the enumeration definition.

Formatting Text and Version Control

• The speaker highlights options for text formatting such as bold or italic styles within LaTeX documents. These changes function similarly to standard text editors.

• A version history feature allows users to track edits over time. Users can revert to previous versions if needed, providing security against data loss.

Resources and Further Learning