# change height of text

I am writing some text that spans over two lines. At the end of the first line there is $\lim\limits_{n\to+\infty} u_n=0$. I am using the \limits command for better effect, but it increases the space between the lines (normal behavior).

However, I would like it not to, as the second line ends before this could be a problem.

I'm pretty sure there is a way to make the height of that math command 'phantom' (I remember doing it years ago), but I can't remember/find how.

• is there a mathjax or similar plugin here ? – imj Dec 10 '13 at 18:12
• Try $\smash{\lim\limits_{n\to+\infty} u_n=0}$. – Alex Dec 10 '13 at 18:18
• @Alex -- slightly better, perhaps: \smash[b]{...}; requires amsmath. – barbara beeton Dec 10 '13 at 18:24
• The reason for not using \limits is just that it increases the line spacing. – egreg Dec 10 '13 at 18:29
• @imj -- the [b] (bottom) limits the smashing to what's below the baseline. in this instance it really doesn't make a difference, but there are times when it's important to influence just what's below (or above, with [t]) the line to avoid collisions with something in an adjacent line. – barbara beeton Dec 10 '13 at 19:06

As Alex pointed out, $\smash{\lim\limits_{n\to+\infty} u_n=0}$ works perfectly. Using the optional argument [b] ($\smash[b]{...}$) limits the smashing to what's below the baseline (thx barbara beeton, that became relevant to me later on).