12 questions linked to/from Macro for \left( and \right)
14k views

Spacing around \left and \right

Why does the addition of a \left and \right introduces an extra space around the formula? Specifically, why do $\cos(\theta)$ and $\cos\left(\theta\right)$ render differently? Is there a way to use ...
205k views

“(” or “\left(” parentheses?

What is the difference between ( and \left( in LaTeX? Sometimes, when the content is small, it does not seem to matter which pair I use. What is the best practice when it comes to which parentheses ...
12k views

Automatic left and right commands

Is it possible to automatically "add" \left and \right commands in front of all brackets? The source code should be left intact, but LaTeX should interpret every pair of brackets as if they were ...
3k views

Is it ever bad to use \left and \right?

For mathematics, is it ever disadvantageous to use \left( and \right) in equations? I can't see any way that doing this would hinder the typesetting, so why isn't () just converted into \left( \...
2k views

Why doesn't TeX/LaTeX have reasonable defaults in certain cases?

I am in constant search for an alternative to LaTeX, but it seems I am stuck for it for a long time, and I am trying to see the bright side of it. The other day one thought struck me, I think, LaTeX ...
2k views

What is the differences between mathcode and catcode and how can I use mathcode?

The command \catcode is often used to change some internals. E.g. the command \makeatletter changes the catcode @. But what is \mathcode and how does it work? catcodes are well explained here: Wiki ...
5k views

Can I make LyX automatically use 'smart' parentheses [\left( \right)] in math mode?

When I type in math mode I always prefer to use the parentheses using \left and \right. Currently, I go into math mode and then press the button on the ribbon that appears in this mode and creates ...
204 views

Changing ( and ) to \left( and \right)

Are there any plans to have the LaTeX automatically read all ( and ) to automatically become \left( and \right)? If so, then when can we expect the update?
445 views

Replace regular parenthesis with stretching versions

I have nearly finished writing my ph.d. thesis, and throughout I've been using regular parenthesis mostly, for everything math. Now, I'd like to replace all instances of (...) by their \left(...\right)...
179 views

Spacing around \left and \right: When is it needed? [closed]

There have been a few questions (such as this and more recently this) regarding the "extra" spacing around \left and \right. And there are various options for fixing it, including the mleftright ...