# Multiple lines of equations on either side of left brace, with alignment

How can I insert a left brace over multiple lines on both sides of the brace? I made a mockup of what I would like:

Requirements:

• I would want to be able to use the alignment character & on the equations of either side of the brace, to align them vertically as well.
• Each horizontal line must share the same base line, just like in $x\ 1+2y$. That is, x must have the same base line as 1+2y.

Ps. The equations I have here don't make sense, but it's for something more complicated that I have in mind.

Here's a pseudo-code / starting code (note this does not produce the above picture..)

\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{amsmath}
\begin{document}
\begin{align*}
1 &+ 2y \\
3 &+ x
\end{align*}
\end{document}

• @Zarko I want the x to be in line with the 1+2y, and the y to be in line with 3+x. That only gives me one side of the brace? Apr 14, 2017 at 5:05

Like this?

\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{amsmath}
\begin{document}
\begin{aligned} x \\ y \end{aligned}% \left\{\begin{aligned} 1 & + 2y \\ 3 & + x \end{aligned}\right.
\end{document}

• Almost, but the first line doesn't seem to be in line on both sides of the brace. That is, x seems a little lower than 1+2y. Also y seems a little higher than 3+x, or are they already in line? Apr 14, 2017 at 5:18
• See the base line between x and 1+2yin this code: $x 1+2y$ Apr 14, 2017 at 5:21
• @ksgj1, see if is now better. Apr 14, 2017 at 5:25
• Thanks for the attempts, Zarko. :) I want to be able to use the alignment tab & to align the + also (see my pseudocode). If I do so in the matrix environment, I'll get unwanted spaces. Also, your current code has a extra \] at the end. Apr 14, 2017 at 5:31
• above is my last attempt ... Apr 14, 2017 at 5:39