Math 181

Computational Mathematics

Lab 6: Working with LaTeX

R. Robinson, 2/01

In this lab we will practice writing LaTeX documents.

Producing a document in LaTeX is an iterative process.

You type something into a ".tex" file and try to compile it using the latex command (I will demonstrate).

If there are don't get any TeX errors, then you can view your document with Yap to see how it looks (you look at the corresponding ".dvi" file). If you dislike some aspect of it,  you can go 'back to the drawing board' so to speak. This is the second stage of getting it right.

The first stage occurs if you do get a TeX error (and you almost always do, especially in the beginning!).  When TeX complains about your error, you can type "r", and TeX will attempt to finish processing your file, errors and all.  Then you can look at the errors in the ".log" file created by TeX and try to interpret them for use in debugging.. Unfortunately the error messages are not as informative as one would like. Another help in debugging is to view the ".dvi" file and see if it holds any clues to what is wrong.


One more quirky thing about LaTeX.

Once your file is debugged you need to run the "latex" program on it twice in order to get the references (equation numbers, theorem numbers, etc.) correct. This is because the numbering system in LaTeX is a 2-pass system.


Today's Assignment

 
  1. I have attached a short practice document (about 1 page) which I have typeset in standard LaTeX and AMS-LaTeX. The project is for you to retypeset it. I have attached two templates for you to chose from, one in the a standard LaTeX template, and the other an AMS-LaTeX template. You can try them both and see which one you like best (hand in only one). You can substitute your name for mine when you typeset the practice document.

    2.  

     
     
     

    After typing the practice document,  I would like to see a sampleof your work from another class--about 1 page--anything with a fair amount of formulas in it.

You should post your efforts to your secret web page, both as a TeX file and a dvi file. Make sure you upload the tex file in ascii text format and thre dvi file in binary format.

You will probably need to make substantial use the book First Steps in laTeX by George Gratzer. Colaboration is encouraged to the extent of looking at what others have done, but please no file sharing.  In particular, a list of command characters for math symbols starts on P 93.

TeX is a wonderful tool but is famous for it's steep learning curve! Don't get discouraged if you find it hard at first. Also please don't hesitate to ask for assistance.