# Eqn numbers in aligned environment

I want to write an equation with multiple cases, but that needs multiple aligned columns within each case. I also want a left brace (of my choosing) on the left. Something like this works:

F = \left\{ \begin{aligned} 1. & 2. & \ &\text{First row} \\ 3. & 4. & \ &\text{Second row} \end{aligned} \right.


However, only one number is assigned to the group (simply the equation environment). I'd like to tag each individual row (of the aligned environment). is there a way to do this?

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The answer to this question might be helpful –  Seamus Jul 14 '11 at 16:29
Also, you should be clear: do you want separate equation numbers or subequation numbers? i.e. 1,2 or 1.a,1.b? –  Seamus Jul 14 '11 at 16:33
@Seamus: I'm not sure how the link helps---in this case, I need an aligned environment within another. Re: separate or subequation, the ability to do both would be useful (not in the same block of equations), but not essential. –  TSGM Jul 14 '11 at 18:39

You can load the empheq package and then write

\begin{empheq}[left={F=\empheqlbrace}]{alignat=2}

In this particular case align is not well suited, because it gives too much spacing between columns.