# [OS X TeX] Math mode in TikZ question

Dietrich, Daniel L Daniel.L.Dietrich at nasa.gov
Fri Jan 18 16:03:00 EST 2008

Hello,

I have a small problem that perplexes me.  I have a document with a
number of tables that contain math in them (e.g. $\pm 13\: VDC$).
All works and compiles fine.  I went to add some simple figures using
TikZ (\usepackage{tikz}) and when I did, I now get an error on any
table element using '\:' to create a space in math mode ('\,' and
'\;' work fine).  I can work around it using the other two, but I
don't know why '\:' gives an error.  I'm not that proficient in LaTeX
and tikz, so I'm probably missing something simple.

The log file shows the following:

! Argument of \tikz at style@parseB has an extra }.
<inserted text>
\par
l.8 		Operating Voltage & $\pm 13\: VDC$ &
on ripple...

?
Runaway argument?
VDC$\unskip \hfil ! Paragraph ended before \tikz at style@parseB was complete. <to be read again> \par l.8 Operating Voltage &$\pm 13\: VDC$& Additional requirements on ripple... ? ! Extra }, or forgotten$.

l.8 		Operating Voltage & $\pm 13\: VDC$ &
on ripple...

?
! Missing $inserted. <inserted text>$
l.8 		Operating Voltage & $\pm 13\: VDC$ &
on ripple...

?
! Missing } inserted.
<inserted text>
}
l.8 		Operating Voltage & $\pm 13\: VDC$ &