# How to properly format the derivative of a vector? [duplicate]

When writing the derivative of a vector-valued function, I naively wrote:

\vec{r}'(t)


But when typeset, the prime collides slightly with the vector arrow. What are the best practices here?

• \dot\vec{r} -- it's a time derivative or a derivative with respect to a 'parameter' or \vec{r}\,' – user31729 Feb 25 '16 at 21:45

Only suggestions, since the question is a little bit opinion-based

The \vec{r}' is indeed too narrow -- using the esvect package and its \vv command provides a somewhat better spacing, however, the arrows are longer.

Alternatively using \dot{\vec{r}} is to be preferred in a Physics' context if a time derivative or with respect to a parameter is indicated.

\documentclass{article}

\usepackage{mathtools}
\usepackage{esvect}

\begin{document}

$\dot{\vv{r}}$

With dot and normal \verb!\vec!: $\dot{\vec{r}}$

With \verb!\,'!: $\vec{r}\,'(t)$

esvect style: $\vv{r}'(t)$

\end{document}


• If you use \vec{{}r} or \vec{\kern0pt r} it looks better in this case. – Manuel Feb 25 '16 at 22:05
• @Manuel: Not really. The prime is too near to the arrow still. – user31729 Feb 25 '16 at 22:09
• I meant just versus the \vec{r}` part. – Manuel Feb 25 '16 at 22:10
• Okey, I see that I wrote the same comment in form of an answer in the duplicate question. Sorry :) – Manuel Feb 25 '16 at 22:11