View source for LaTeX:About

{{Latex}}

'''Latex''', or <math>\text{\LaTeX}</math> (pronounced lah-TEK or lay-TEK), is a typesetting markup language that is useful to produce properly formatted mathematical and scientific expressions.

==Using LaTeX in the Community, the AoPSWiki, or the Classroom ==

If you're starting and looking to learn more about what <math>\text{\LaTeX}</math> can do, see this [https://mathvault.ca/latex-guide/ non-technical introduction on <math>\text{\LaTeX}</math>]. If you are just learning <math>\text{\LaTeX}</math> for use on the AoPS site, then go to the [[LaTeX:LaTeX on AoPS|LaTeX on AoPS]] page or watch this [https://youtu.be/HfRsDKBrSaA Quick Start video].  If you would like to produce full documents of your own LaTeX, please follow the directions below.

==Getting Started with Writing Documents in LaTeX==

<ol><li>The first step is to install the software to use LaTeX on your computer. </li><ul>

<li>
For Windows, follow these instructions (in order):
    <ul>
    <li>Download and install [http://mirror.ctan.org/systems/texlive/tlnet/install-tl-windows.exe TeX Live].</li>
    <li>Download and install [http://www.xm1math.net/texmaker/download.html#windows Texmaker].</li>
    </ul>
</li>
<li>
For Google Docs, you can get AoPS syntax (math only) through these steps:
    <ul>
    <li>Click +free at the top of [https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/auto-latex-equations/iaainhiejkciadlhlodaajgbffkebdog?utm_source=aopsLaTeXwiki the Google Docs add-on store page for Auto-Latex Equations].</li>
    <li>Follow the popup instructions. For a full tutorial, visit [https://sites.google.com/site/autolatexequations/tutorial the official website of the add-on].</li>
    </ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>  All of these packages are free. They are not developed or distributed by Art of Problem Solving.<br>

(You will also need a PDF viewer such as the free [http://get.adobe.com/reader/ Adobe Reader]; however this program is already installed on most computers as well as in Google Chrome.)
<li>View the [https://youtu.be/HfRsDKBrSaA AoPS LaTeX Quick Start Video].
<li>Work through the "Basics" pages:</li><ul>
<li>The [[LaTeX:Basics#First_LaTeX_Document|First Document]] page walks you through creating your first LaTeX document.</li>
<li>The [[LaTeX:Math|Math]] page shows you how to typeset mathematics in LaTeX.</li>
<li>The [[LaTeX:Basics#Style|Style]] section shows you how to control the basic appearance of your document.</li></ul>
<li>The [[LaTeX:Pictures|Pictures]] section shows you how to add images to your LaTeX documents.</li>
<li>Use our LaTeX quick-reference guides to learn more about:</li>
<ul><li>The [[LaTeX:Layout|layout]] of your document.</li>
<li>The different [[LaTeX:Symbols|symbols]] available in LaTeX.</li>
<li>Some of the [[LaTeX:Commands|commands]] in LaTeX, and how to define your own new commands.</li>
<li>Various external [[LaTeX:Packages|packages]] that can extend LaTeX's native capabilities, and how to create your own new packages.</li></ul>
<li>Use the [http://www.artofproblemsolving.com/Resources/texer.php TeXer] to experiment and practice writing mathematical formulas.</li>
<li>Use the [[LaTeX:Help |Help]] page and the [http://www.artofproblemsolving.com/Forum/index.php?f=123 LaTeX forum] for more help.</li></ol>

== See also ==
*[[LaTeX:Downloads|Next: Downloads]]
*[[Asymptote (Vector Graphics Language)]]