Fun with LaTeX
Thing I learned about LaTeX today:
The newline command \\ has an optional argument that inserts additional spacing before the next line. So, for example, \\[1in] adds an inch of space before the start of the next paragraph. This has the interesting side effect that if, say, you're trying to make an array with some stuff on the second line in square brackets, like this:
\begin{array}{c}
x+y\\
[z+w][x+v]
\end{array}
then LaTeX will think that the stuff in the square brackets are actually the optional arguments to the \\ on the previous line, and give you a really confusing error. Fun, huh? To fix this, you can do something like add {} after the newline, so it doesn't get confused.
This public service message has been provided by the Oliver-really-wants-to-finish-this-stupid-paper department.
The newline command \\ has an optional argument that inserts additional spacing before the next line. So, for example, \\[1in] adds an inch of space before the start of the next paragraph. This has the interesting side effect that if, say, you're trying to make an array with some stuff on the second line in square brackets, like this:
\begin{array}{c}
x+y\\
[z+w][x+v]
\end{array}
then LaTeX will think that the stuff in the square brackets are actually the optional arguments to the \\ on the previous line, and give you a really confusing error. Fun, huh? To fix this, you can do something like add {} after the newline, so it doesn't get confused.
This public service message has been provided by the Oliver-really-wants-to-finish-this-stupid-paper department.