# Make limit in inline mode same position as display mode

If I use:

$$\lim_{x\to3}f(x)$$


Then the x to 3 is placed below the limit. But if I write:

Given $f(x)=x^2$, evaluate $\lim_{x\to 2}f(x)$, ...

Then the limit is put below right of the limit symbol. How can I place the x to 3 below the limit symbol in inline mode?

The “correct” way is to type

$\lim\limits_{x\to 3} f(x)$


because \displaystyle would change many other aspects of math typesetting that are good in displays but not in line. See displaystyle, dfrac, dcases for examples.

The command \limits can go after any math operator taking limits, such as \sum and \max.

Avoid doing this, because it spoils the spacing between lines, leaving huge white strips on your page. The formula $\lim_{x\to 3} f(x)$ is as readable as the one with the condition underneath ‘lim’.

Also avoid $$ in LaTeX, see Why is $...$ preferable to$$ ... $$? This is easy to fix. Just write \displaystyle\lim_{x\to 2}f(x)  Incidentally, using $$... for display equations is not advised. You should use

$\lim_{x\to3}f(x)$