# Aligning variables vertically in a cases environment

I'm creating a system of equations in LaTeX, using a cases environment, with variables $x_1$, $x_2$, $x_3$ and $x_4$. Here's my MWE:

\documentclass[a4paper,12pt,onecolumn]{article}

\usepackage{amsmath}

\begin{document}
\begin{math}
\begin{cases}
x_1 +  x_2 + x_3 +  x_4 =  3\\
- 3x_2 + x_3 - 2x_4 = -3\\
2x_3 + 5x_4 = -3\\
- 7x_4 = -7
\end{cases}
\end{math}
\end{document}


I would like to keep the variables vertically aligned in the output, as they appear in the source code above. How can I do that?

-

The cases environment is probably not the best tool for your purpose. You may instead want to look into using the systeme package and the associated macro \systeme.

The following example illustrates the usage of this macro. The only manual adjustment I've applied is for the RHS term in the first equation, where I've added a \phantom{-} term to adjust the alignment.

\documentclass[a4paper,12pt,onecolumn]{article}
\usepackage{systeme}
\begin{document}
\begin{math}
\systeme{
x_1 +  x_2 + x_3 +  x_4 =  \phantom{-}3,
- 3x_2 + x_3 - 2x_4 = -3,
2x_3 + 5x_4 = -3,
- 7x_4 = -7}
\end{math}
\end{document}


Addendum: The preceding look could actually be achieved via a cases environment, as follows:

\begin{math}
\begin{cases}
\hfill x_1 + \phantom{2}x_2 + \phantom{2}x_3 + \phantom{2}x_4 = \phantom{-}3\\
\hfill {}- 3x_2 + \phantom{2}x_3 - 2x_4 = -3\\
\hfill 2x_3 + 5x_4 = -3\\
\hfill {}- 7x_4 = -7
\end{cases}
\end{math}


However, compared with the work required when using the systeme package, four \hfillinstructions, three extra \phantom instructions, and two {} empty groups are required to get the job done. I guess everyone will agree that systeme is the much better tool for this job...

-
I never knew of the system package. Would be nice to have the manual in english! –  DJJerome Dec 28 '13 at 21:28