Software

Markup Languages

LaTeX & Formulas

latex-project.org

LaTeX (pronounced “Lah-Tech” or “Lay-Tech”) is a typesetting system designed especially for scientific documents and mathematical formulas. Unlike word processors such as Word, LaTeX uses markup commands to control layout and formatting.

In our courses, LaTeX is primarily used within R Markdown and Quarto documents to render mathematical formulas professionally. A standalone LaTeX installation is typically not required, as Quarto can use the lightweight TinyTeX distribution.

LaTeX Formula Syntax

LaTeX formulas are written between dollar signs in R Markdown and Quarto:

  • Inline formula: $formula$ – rendered within the text
  • Display formula: $$formula$$ – rendered centered on its own line

Examples

LaTeX Code Result
$\bar{x} = \frac{1}{n}\sum_{i=1}^{n} x_i$ \(\bar{x} = \frac{1}{n}\sum_{i=1}^{n} x_i\)
$\sigma^2 = \frac{1}{n}\sum_{i=1}^{n}(x_i - \bar{x})^2$ \(\sigma^2 = \frac{1}{n}\sum_{i=1}^{n}(x_i - \bar{x})^2\)
$y = \beta_0 + \beta_1 x + \epsilon$ \(y = \beta_0 + \beta_1 x + \epsilon\)
$P(A \mid B) = \frac{P(B \mid A) \cdot P(A)}{P(B)}$ \(P(A \mid B) = \frac{P(B \mid A) \cdot P(A)}{P(B)}\)

Common Commands

Command Description Example
\frac{a}{b} Fraction \(\frac{a}{b}\)
\sum_{i=1}^{n} Summation \(\sum_{i=1}^{n}\)
\bar{x} Mean bar \(\bar{x}\)
\sqrt{x} Square root \(\sqrt{x}\)
x^{2} Superscript \(x^{2}\)
x_{i} Subscript \(x_{i}\)
\alpha, \beta, \gamma Greek letters \(\alpha, \beta, \gamma\)

Installation

Full TeX Distribution

For standalone LaTeX use or advanced requirements, you can install a full distribution:

Further Resources