Mathematical Typesetting

How to Align Equations in LaTeX

When you have multiple related equations, aligning them at the equals sign makes them easier to read. The align environment from amsmath handles this.

Basic align Environment

Use & to mark alignment points and \\ for new lines:

\usepackage{amsmath}

\begin{align}
  x + y &= 5 \\
  2x - y &= 1
\end{align}

Without Equation Numbers

Use align* to suppress numbering:

\begin{align*}
  a^2 + b^2 &= c^2 \\
  E &= mc^2
\end{align*}

Multiple Alignment Points

Add text or multiple alignments:

\begin{align*}
  x &= 2 & y &= 3 \\
  z &= 5 & w &= 7
\end{align*}

Align with Explanation

Add text explanations to equations:

\begin{align*}
  x + 2 &= 5 & &\text{(given)} \\
  x &= 3 & &\text{(subtract 2)}
\end{align*}

💡 Tips

•Always place & before the = sign for consistent alignment
•Use \nonumber on specific lines to suppress just that equation's number
•For single equations, use equation or equation* instead

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