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Getting started with LaTeX
This is a compliation of resources for using LaTeX to produce mathematical documents. It was initially compiled for use by students in the University of Chicago's summer REU program. It is also a repository for guides and resources I find useful in everyday LaTeXing.
Where to get LaTeX
If you run Windows, the easiest way to get Latex on your computer is probably using proTeXt. This gives you a short clickable pdf document with links to install everything you need.
If you have a Mac, MacTeX should be more or less the same thing.
If you run Linux, the current tex packages for most distros seem to be TeXLive.
Template and References
This is a sample latex template. It is based on Peter May's REU latex template but with more examples. tex file dvi file pdf file
Interested in making commutative diagrams in latex? Here's a sample document that walks you through making commutative diagrams using xymatrix, tikz, and tikzcd. The tex file and pdf file are designed to be read together. I created this document as a reference for my graduate differential topology class.
Here are some useful reference for using Tex and Latex:
- The LaTeX wikibook — Comprehensive introduction to using latex
- The Not So Short Guide to Latex (pdf) — A classic introduction to latex
- AMS-LaTeX – Short Math Guide (pdf) — Quick reference for math formating and symbols
- AMS-LaTeX – User's Guide for the amsmath Package (pdf)Much more extensive than the former.
- Detexify — Draw the symbol you want and this tool will suggest latex code for it
- The Comprehensive LaTeX Symbol List (pdf)
- XY-pic User's Guide (pdf) — Information for drawing commutative diagrams