OPERATORS & BOUNDS
LaTeX operators and limits: sin, log, sum and integral
Examples checked with MathTexLab’s base and AMS math renderer · Display style
Use an operator command for a named mathematical function. Typing its letters as ordinary variables changes the typography and spacing, even if the text looks similar at first glance.
Use function commands
Write \sin x and \log x rather than
sin x and log x. Function commands use upright
names and operator spacing. For a custom name,
\operatorname{rank}(A) is supported by AMS; it writes notation
and does not compute a matrix rank.
Group the bounds
A sum uses lower and upper scripts. Put a multi-character condition inside braces. An integral can use the same script notation, with a small spacing command before the differential if desired.
\sum_{k=1}^{n}k\qquad\int_0^1 x^2\,dx\qquad\lim_{x\to 0}\frac{\sin x}{x}Compare inline and display style
Large operators may place limits differently depending on math style. The guide specimen uses Display style. Open it in the editor and change Math style to Inline to compare the layout. Increasing the font-size control scales the whole expression; it is not the same operation as changing mathematical style.
Keep interpretation explicit
State the logarithm base or integration assumptions in the surrounding explanation when they matter. The editor displays the limits you supply; it does not check convergence, evaluate the sum or perform integration. If a command fails, inspect its exact spelling in the library before trying to load an unsupported package.
Syntax reference
MathJax supported-command reference. The examples above are limited to the features described here; additional packages are not implied.
Continue with LaTeX Symbols Library.