[OS X TeX] which is real math mode?

[Herbert Schulz]

On Dec 12, 2005, at 4:07 PM, Matthew Inglis wrote:

>> \begin{displaymath} puts one into a displayed math environment,  
>> like to
>> the $$ 2 + 2 = 4 $$ of Plain TeX (which should not be used in LaTeX).
>
> Why shouldn't $$...$$ be used in LaTeX? I have heard several people  
> give this advice, but have always cheerfully ignored it with no  
> obvious adverse consequences. Can anyone enlighten?
>
> Matthew.

Howdy,

One reason is that $ (usually; which character it is can be  
redefined) is a TeX primitive while \(\) (in-line maths) and \[\]  
(display maths) are a macros that default to $ and $$ but are  
redefined when using special packages; e.g., tex4ht.

Good Luck,

Herb Schulz
(herbs at wideopenwest.com)


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