# One-line equation with two columns

I try to write an equation with two similar formulas, i.e.
 $$\qquad A_1 = B + C \qquad A_2 = D + E \qquad$$  Of course, instead of \qquads I want to use something like \hfill.

I would also like to do the same with some text within, like  $$\qquad A_1 = B + C \quad \text{and} \quad A_2 = D + E \qquad$$ 

Is there any prefered/"best" way for this?

-
It looks like you've got two separate accounts, which means you cannot edit your original post or leave comments. The StackExchange staff can merge them together for you. – Joseph Wright Mar 7 '13 at 19:13

amsmath's align environment provides this by default:

\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{amsmath}% http://ctan.org/pkg/amsmath
\begin{document}
\noindent X\dotfill X
\begin{align}
A_1 &= B + C & A_2 &= D + E
\end{align}
\begin{align}
A_1 &= B + C &&\text{and} & A_2 &= D + E
\end{align}
\noindent X\dotfill X
\end{document}

-
Thanks! I just did not use the central &. Could you please also explain the use of extra &'s around \text{and}? – user27000 Mar 7 '13 at 12:12