Math & Science ⇒ Align Vs. Equation for single-line eq.

[drgz]

Just a quick question; is there any notable difference in the usage of

Code: Select all

\begin{align}
blabla
\end{align}

and

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\begin{equation}
blabla,
\end{equation}

other that align allows you to align the multi-line equations?

While writing my masters thesis I've found myself to almost constantly use align over equation, even for equations which are not spanning over multiple lines. I can't say I've noticed any difference in the document, but as I realized this fact when looking at my LaTeX code I started to wonder whether if there are any other obvious differences than the possibility for alignment.

[gmedina]

The line changing command \\ has no effect inside a "pure" equation environment:

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\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{amsmath}

\begin{document}

\begin{equation}
a=b\\
c=d
\end{equation}

\begin{align}
a=b\\
c=d
\end{align}

\end{document}

[daleif]

For oneliners there is one reason on favor for equation: if the math is short and the text line just above it is also short, equation will use something like \abovedisplayshortskip instead of the normal \abovedisplayskip, thus eliminating some white space above the formula.

Align cannot do this by construction.

[drgz]

Thanks to your both. The part about the white-space is definitely true, however, I didn't notice it until I read your post.

Best regards,

drgz