# Controlling vertical space within a cases environment

I'm trying to define a function that requires a large amount of text in a cases environment. By adding a

\\


I can create some space between the top and bottom lines, but i'd rather create a smaller space (perhaps half a line), \smallskip and similar don't seem to work in this environment, and adding extra options to

\\


like [5pt] also seems not to work.

Any ideas what will?

p_k(j,M)&=
\begin{cases}
1\text{ } \parbox[t]{.6\textwidth}{ if the matrix $M$ includes one or more entry of the value $k$ in the row $j$ of $M$,}\\
\\
0 \text{ otherwise.}
\end{cases}


I think you miss the &s in the right position.

I think [5pt] are too few, try something greater, e.g. [14pt].

\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{amsmath}

\begin{document}
$p_k(j,M)= \begin{cases} 1 &\parbox[t]{.6\textwidth}{if the matrix M includes one or more entry of the value k in the row j of M,}\\[14pt] 0 &\text{otherwise.} \end{cases}$
\end{document}


• Weirdly in my document, that piece of code produces even spacing between the lines. I assume this is to do with my headers, any idea what could cause this? – Abijah Feb 28 '18 at 17:29
• working on it ... – Abijah Feb 28 '18 at 17:31
• It appears to be due to \doublespacing I can only use 20pt or higher. – Abijah Feb 28 '18 at 17:56
• @Abijah Did you load setspace? – CarLaTeX Feb 28 '18 at 18:05
• Yes I did :) :) – Abijah Feb 28 '18 at 18:07