Latex Definition and 999 Threads

Latex is a stable dispersion (emulsion) of polymer microparticles in water. Latexes are found in nature, but synthetic latexes are common as well.
Latex as found in nature is a milky fluid found in 10% of all flowering plants (angiosperms). It is a complex emulsion consisting of proteins, alkaloids, starches, sugars, oils, tannins, resins, and gums that coagulate on exposure to air. It is usually exuded after tissue injury. In most plants, latex is white, but some have yellow, orange, or scarlet latex. Since the 17th century, latex has been used as a term for the fluid substance in plants, deriving from the Latin word for "liquid." It serves mainly as defense against herbivorous insects. Latex is not to be confused with plant sap; it is a distinct substance, separately produced, and with separate functions.
The word latex is also used to refer to natural latex rubber, particularly non-vulcanized rubber. Such is the case in products like latex gloves, latex condoms and latex clothing.
Originally, the name given to latex by indigenous Equator tribes who cultivated the rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis, was "caoutchouc", from the words caa ('tear') and ochu ('tree'), because of the way it is collected.

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  1. A

    LaTeX Advise me on the best way to learn to use LatEX

    LatEX help! Could anyone advise me on the best way to learn to use LatEX (as it is used on the forum) as I am having quite a bit of difficulty with it! Sorry for posting in the Math section but couldn't find a channel dedicated to this kind of troubleshooting. Cheers Andrew
  2. T

    LaTeX Headers on titlepage using LaTeX

    Hi, I have struggled for a while trying to get headers on the title page in LaTeX. I have headers on all other pages, but it seems like the \maketitle command disables the header on the first page (the titlepage). Does anyone know how to prevent this?
  3. Fredrik

    LaTeX Can someone explain how our LaTeX problems are possible?

    Physics Forums has had problems with LaTeX for 10 months now. I'm just wondering if someone can explain what's causing it, or at least how it's possible at all. The problem and some of my thoughts are summarized in this quote:
  4. H

    LaTeX Problem with previewing Latex images

    This forum has a problem with Latex for a long time. Please try it yourself: Start writing a new post Write down a Latex text in it (with "[latex ]...[/latex ]" tags) Preview your Latex output (press the "Preview Post" button - No problem until now) Now change your Latex text and press the...
  5. A. Neumaier

    LaTeX Fix Latex Editing Bug in PF Posts

    When I edit the latex in a post, the changes frequently do not appear correctly in the standard view. Deleting a latex formula when another one follows in the same post also has a strange effect. Maybe someone could fix the bug in the editor.
  6. M

    LaTeX Latex - Multiple references in one citation

    Guys, I am trying to get my citations to do a "through" type thing, ala,. . .gotten using this method [1-4]. Rather, I am getting an entire listing, ala. . . gotten using this method [1, 2, 3, 4]. I am simply using . . . gotten using this method~\cite{ref1,ref2,re3,ref4}. which...
  7. C

    LaTeX Having Trouble Setting Up LaTeX for Graph Theory Class?

    First off, let me apologize in advance because I'm pretty sure this isn't the right forum for this question, but I've tried to find an appropriate forum and haven't had a lot of success. I know some people here have been really helpful to me in the past, so I figured that someone could at least...
  8. J

    LaTeX Inserting Figures in LaTeX: Removing "Figure 1"

    Hi I have a problem inserting figures into latex, if I write the following script; \begin{figure} \centering \includegraphics[width=0.5\textwidth]{gull} \caption{Close-up of a gull} \label{gull} \end{figure} I get a picture of gull and underneath it says Figure 1: Close-up...
  9. A

    LaTeX Troubleshooting LaTeX Referencing Issues for Your Third Year Project Report

    Hey guys. I recently went into a foray in learning LaTeX for my third year project report, because I want it to look professional and it's a good skill to say I have for PhD application. I have however hit a stumbling block. Below is some sample code: \begin{table}[!h] \begin{center}...
  10. A

    LaTeX Help Me Understand Latex Derivatives: Struggling With Calculus After 2 Years

    Sorry it's not the best Latex, I hope that you can still help me grasp this. y=2xy1+y(y1)2; y2=C1(x+1/4C1) So, the solution says to implicitly differentiate and gives y1=C1/2y So, how did they get the derivative to be this? This is the first chapter in my DE class and I'm rusty with my...
  11. S.Daedalus

    LaTeX Solving LaTeX Preview Problem: Tips & Solutions

    I've been having severe problems trying to get LaTeX expressions to look right using preview -- it seems that only the initial processing run sticks, any corrections made don't seem to register, at least until I post the thread (everything looked fine then). The issue is persistent across...
  12. W

    LaTeX What is a Good Free LaTex Editor for OSX for Homework?

    Hello! I'm a physics/engineering undergrad who is interested in learning to type my homework in LaTex (I have abysmal handwriting, so this would be beneficial to everyone) Can anyone recommend a free client for OSX that will allow me a large degree of troubleshooting and formatting...
  13. naima

    LaTeX Troubleshooting \frac{1}{a^{\dagger}} Latex Preview Issue

    \frac{1}{a^{\dagger}} I typed (and modified severall times) \frac{1}{a^{\dagger}} and I just see a^\dagger with preview I submit Itis correct AFTER submit not when previewing.
  14. B

    LaTeX Templates/Samples/Shortcuts for LaTeX equations

    I'm a Mac user and I'm looking for some sort of file where I could refer to a bunch of examples of LaTeX equations from PDE, Matrices, ODE, Analysis, Algebra etc. like \frac{\hbar}{i} \frac{\partial}{\partial t} \psi (x,t) = H \psi So I could do more cutting and pasting as opposed to...
  15. M

    LaTeX Proving Limits of Infinite Integrals with LaTeX

    Homework Statement Prove that if \int_{-\infty}^{+\infty} f exists, then \lim_{N\rightarrow \infty of {\int_{-N}^{N} f} exists and is equal to the first equation. Show moreover, that \lim_{N\rightarrow \infty of {\int_{-N}^{N+1} f} and \lim_{N\rightarrow \infty of {\int_{-N^2}^{N} f}...
  16. H

    LaTeX How Can I Use Latex in MS Word?

    Is there any patch, add-in, etc for writing mathematical expressions in Microsft Word?
  17. A

    LaTeX How to Position Images on the Right in LaTeX Slides?

    Is there any way I can tell LaTeX to place an image on the right of a slide *without* using the "figure" environment?
  18. J

    LaTeX Inserting Image in LaTeX: Troubleshooting Help Needed

    I know this isn't really general math but here goes, I need to insert an image into my text on latex, when I put this; \begin{figure} \begin{center} \includegraphics[scale=0.7]{CantBeamPointLoad} \end{center} \caption{A cantilever beam with a point load P at the end of the beam}...
  19. Kawakaze

    LaTeX Latex Compatability with Ereaders

    I just bought an ereader to help me study (on my bosses time =P ), fantastic little thing by the way, cheap and cheerful, no e-ink display so I have colour. Maybe I will consider a colour e-paper machine when they come out and can turn a page without giving bystanders seizures. For 80 quid I am...
  20. M

    LaTeX How Do You Create a Script Lowercase 'r' in LaTeX?

    Hey all, I know this has been discussed before, but seeing that I can't find a post anywhere with a good solution, maybe another discussion won't hurt. How do you make a script lowercase 'r' in Latex, resembling what you see in eg. Griffiths Electrodynamics? So far I have found two...
  21. B

    LaTeX LaTeX Code Distorsion in Forum Edit Mode

    Hi. When I write my LaTeX code in this forum, it appears completely distorsionated when I click "Preview Changes" in edit mode. For example: n^2(\rho) = n^2_0\left(1-\alpha^2\rho^2)\right) is shown as a "z" if previously I wrote z. In fact, I don't know if this post will be shown well...
  22. M

    LaTeX Is there a latex tag? Issue with preview

    Hi. I have two questions: 1) Is there a latex tag anywhere? I see [STRIKE] tag, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= tag, [SPOILER] tag... 2) The preview button still duplicates the 3 bold questions. Is there a way to fix that? I remember when I joined about 5 months ago it had that issue...
  23. A

    LaTeX Why is Latex causing problems in this forum?

    I'm trying to make a post, but the latex is frustrating me. I typed in the following two lines. [t*x]KE=\frac{1}{2}mv^2[/t*x] [t*x]=\frac{1}{2}mv\cdot v[/t*x] It just gives me a v and a dot, intead of v dot v, and it put both equations on one line. I attached an image of what showed...
  24. J

    LaTeX Learn How to Easily Insert Images on LaTeX | Helpful Tips and Tricks

    Hi, I know this isn't a general math problem but I didn't really know where else to post. I'm trying to insert an image into a text I'm wrtting on LaTeX, the file is saved in .gif format in My Documents. I've read a little on the web about how I should insert the image into my text but I can't...
  25. mnb96

    LaTeX How to make a latex forum like this?

    Hello, does anyone know if there exist a free service that would allow one to base up a forum supporting latex for math discussions? just like physicsforums? Thanks.
  26. J

    LaTeX Can in-line latex be aligned better?

    Hi. May I suggest the administrators consider improving how in-line latex appears in posts? For example consider: This is my in-line post of \sqrt{x}=y and note how \sqrt{x} is not aligning perfectly with the text. The \sqrt{x} would look nicer if it were just slightly lower in the line...
  27. Z

    LaTeX Install a handy Latex Equation Editor

    I find it very difficult to learn the latex code system this website uses. Why don't you people install a User-Friendly Latex equation editor on your website? I found this one- http://www.codecogs.com/latex/install.php" It is very easy to use and less-time consuming! All you have to do...
  28. P

    LaTeX Web-Based LaTeX, Maxima, and R Software

    I am designing web software to interface to \LaTeX, Maxima and R. What I wanted to get feedback about is: 1) Security issues which may arise from calling Maxima and R from the web. The interface is going to be a AJAX GUI and not a raw command-line input form so I will be able to filter...
  29. Z

    LaTeX How do I properly use LaTeX syntax for multiple lines and spacing in my post?

    Hello. I'm new to both PF and LaTeX. I searched the board on this, but could not see a thread that solves my problem. I have several tex tags to use, but it looks like there can only be so many before the board gives off a database error. After combining the content of tex tags, the text got...
  30. J

    LaTeX How do I enter Latex into the Messages

    How do I enter Latex into the Messages?
  31. Saladsamurai

    LaTeX LaTex: eqnarray numbering eqs as 1a, 1b, 1c

    Hi folks, I am making some great progress in LaTeX, however this is something I am having trouble finding. I think that I am just unsure of what keywords to search. I have the following equation array: \begin{eqnarray} y(x) &=& \sum_0^{\infty}a_nx^{n+r} \label{eqn: frobenius 6}\\...
  32. L

    LaTeX What Font Does Latex Use for a Professional Look?

    what is that latex font that screams "professional looking"? I am using math-type + power point's beamer-template to create a presentation. there are two kinds of fonts involved For text: i use cmtex10 (which i assume is computer modern for latex?) For math i use times new roman+italic...
  33. R

    LaTeX Where Can I Find Latex Templates for Presentations and Posters?

    Can some one provide me a latex template for presenting a seminar. I have downloaded few templates but they require infinite numbers of .sty, .def etc. i try to download all of them but they never finish, also if someone can provide me latex poster template also. thanks.
  34. L

    LaTeX Hyperlinks in Latex: Insert Bibliographic Refs w/Bibtex

    hi, how do i insert Hypertext Links in Bibliographic References in my latex document. I am using bibtex and i want to be able to click on the reference in my text and it bring me to the reference. Similarly for figures, clicking on the figure reference in the text and it bring me to the figure...
  35. D

    LaTeX How to post this Latex code on forum?

    Hello! I just finished typing up my first Latex document for a proof I worked on. Now, I'm having trouble posting it on these forums. Here is the source code... \begin{document} $f : \mathbb{R} \Rightarrow \mathbb{R}$ is odd $\;\Longleftrightarrow \;f(-x) = -f(x) \;\forall x$. Show that...
  36. Redbelly98

    LaTeX Fix LaTex Images in PF Library Entries

    I just noticed that the LaTex images in some library entries are not displaying properly. Instead of displaying the equation, you see this text: Click to see the LaTeX code for this image The fix for this is easy, any Mentor or Science Advisor can edit the entry and then save it (without...
  37. P

    LaTeX NOTHING-JUST PLAYING WITH LaTeX

    [ tex ] a^x_n [ /tex ] [ tex ] y_d/(y-1^2) [ /tex ] [ tex ] \pi*\epsilon_o [ /tex ]
  38. A

    LaTeX LaTeX question: What does putting dvips in the \documentclass do?

    LaTeX question: What does putting "dvips" in the \documentclass do? At my university, the master's thesis template in LaTeX begins with the following specification: \documentclass[12pt,dvips]{report} What in the world does putting the "dvips" do? What difference does it make?
  39. A

    LaTeX Where can I get help with LaTeX questions?

    Is there a sort of forum or message board for discussing LaTeX questions? I can't find one for the life of me. Is there somewhere on Physics Forums that I can post questions?
  40. A

    LaTeX [latex] enumerate list colliding with equation array

    So I have a list like \begin{enumerate} \item asdfasdfasdf \item asdfasdfasdf \item \begin{align} equation here \end{align} \end{enumerate} I want to put an equation array to center and give some space around the equation, otherwise it looks all cluttered. I keep getting...
  41. L

    LaTeX Best way to do bra-kets in latex?

    Hi, sorry if this is the wrong place, but is there a good way to do bras and kets in latex. I usually just do \mid 0\rangle but this gives big gaps that doesn't look very professional
  42. G

    LaTeX LaTeX on Windows 2000: Known Problem and Solution?

    On my desktop running Windows XP, the LaTeX code appears normal but on my laptop running Windows 2000, the same thing appears in a small black window with disjointed white text that is unreadable. Is this a known problem with a known solution? Do I have to install something?
  43. Greg Bernhardt

    LaTeX Unlimited LaTeX Preview with Chrome | Physics Forums

    You can now use this page for unlimited previewing and testing https://www.physicsforums.com/mathjax/preview.html Works best in Chrome. In FF there is a permission problem and the font is a little crude. I'll look to see how we can add this to the post editor.
  44. G

    LaTeX Plot some graphs to use in LaTeX

    Hey guys, I am trying to plot some graphs to use in LaTeX. In gnuplot, I run the command set term epslatex set output "graph.tex" plot ... However, my graph is blank. The axis and grid are there but text and curves are missing. If I set the terminal to aquaterm or X11, they look perfet...
  45. N

    LaTeX Learning Latex: A Starter Guide for the Struggling Coder

    I'm struggling with latex. I know HTML and can code in C, but for the life of me I need more examples. Can someone point me to a reference that is less than a gazzillion pages long and longer than two pages of reference code. Just something to get me started on my way...
  46. ╔(σ_σ)╝

    LaTeX My sketchy proof on functions and mappings. I( Latex Fixed)

    Homework Statement f : X \rightarrow Y , g : Y \rightarrow Z and B \subset Z Prove that \left(g \circ f\right)^{-1}\left(B \right) = f^{-1} \left({g^{-1} \left(B\right)\right).What is wrong with this proof ? The Attempt at a Solution x_{0} \in \left(g \circ f\right)^{-1}\left(B\right)...
  47. Orion1

    LaTeX Practice test latex source code

    Does this forum have a source code 'sandbox' to practice test latex source code for publishing on Physics Forums? I remember a sandbox a long time ago when latex was first introduced on Physics Forums, was it removed?
  48. S

    MATLAB Inserting MATLAB Figure in Latex: Solutions

    Homework Statement I am trying to attach a MATLAB figure in Latex Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I saved the graph as .eps instead of .fig, then i opened ghostscript, and saw that the figure was too wide to fit on the page... how can i mend this? thank you
  49. N

    LaTeX Doing fractional superscripts in latex

    Homework Statement I know this is the wrong place. I tired to post in Science materials but it wouldn't let me. Trying to do this in latex t_n = ar^(n-1) t_n=ar^{n-1} Getting weird results. I'm using Chrome on Vista. Its driving me nuts. I'm trying to post questions. Can someone sort me out?
  50. A

    LaTeX Nonsequential Numbering of Subequations in LaTeX

    I am trying to get subequations numbered nonsequentially. I have \begin{subequations} \begin{equation} ... \end{equation} \begin{equation} ... \end{equation} \end{subequations} which gives me (1a) ... (1b) ... Instead, I want (1c) instead of (1b). I have no clue whether...
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