The built-in commands for text in math mode, such as \sup
, are formatted very nicely. How can I define a macro for some short text that is to appear multiple times in math mode (such as "diam"), so that it mimics the formatting of something like \sup
?
1 Answer
With the amsmath
package loaded:
\DeclareMathOperator{\diam}{diam}
in your preamble. Use it in an equation with \diam
. This will give you the upright text that you want, and the proper spacing. See section 5.1 of the amsmath
documentation for more details. For single use, instead of defining a macro \operatorname{diam}
will have the same effect if you use it directly inside an equation.
For bits of text that are not functions in the mathematical sense, e.g. if you want to put some upright text in a subscript, this package also makes the \text{...}
command available. You can use this in a \newcommand
as usual. See this question for a demonstration of the \text
command.
-
3You could also mention
\operatorname
for cases where an operator is only used once and defining a specific macro is not useful. Mar 18, 2012 at 6:06 -
1Indeed, although the question specifies multiple use. I will add this.– qubyteMar 18, 2012 at 9:14