is there a way to show \sum limits partially in inline mode and partially in display mode? i.e., I want to write

$$\sum_{n=-\infty}^{+\infty} [...]$$


but this way the lower limit is too wide, and I don't like it. So I was hoping to write something like this:

$$\sum_{-\infty}^{+\infty}\nolimits_{n} [...]$$


to write the index n on the right side of the sum symbol, while the limits of the summation remain above and below.

Of course it doesn't work, LaTeX is pissed because there is a double subscript. Anyone knows if it's possible to do what I want to?

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## migrated from stackoverflow.comJan 5 '13 at 12:45

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In this instance a better approach would be to use mathtools's \mathclap, which provides a centred overlap in math mode. The centred overlap implies a zero-width box containing stuff that overlaps on the left and right:

\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{mathtools}% http://ctan.org/pkg/mathtools
\begin{document}
\begin{align*}
A &= \sum_{n=-\infty}^{+\infty} f(x) \\
B &= \smashoperator[r]{\sum_{n=-\infty}^{+\infty}} f(x) \\
C &= \sum_{\mathclap{n=-\infty}}^{+\infty} f(x) \\
D &= \sum_{\substack{n={}\\-\infty}}^{+\infty} f(x) \\
E &= \sum_{-\infty}^{\infty}\mathop{}_{\mkern-5mu n} f(x)
\end{align*}
\end{document}


Sure mathtools also loads amsmath, but both these provide excellent tools in terms of typesetting mathematical content (and otherwise).

To add multiple things under a math operator (like \sum), see How do you put multiple things under a limit?, which suggests \substack (as I've done in the last horrible visual).

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If you asked me, I vote for option no. 2. –  tohecz Jan 5 '13 at 13:13
@Werner: perfect! Thank you :) –  Ganondolf Jan 6 '13 at 7:16