Inconsistent square root signs

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 131 views

Introduction

When working with mathematical equations, it's essential to have a consistent and clear representation of mathematical symbols, including the square root sign. In LaTeX, the Arev font is a popular choice for its readability and aesthetic appeal. However, when using Arev, the square root sign may not always appear as expected. In this article, we'll explore how to get consistent square root signs in Arev.

Understanding the Issue

The issue with the square root sign in Arev is due to the way the font is designed. Arev is a sans-serif font, and as such, it doesn't have a built-in square root symbol. Instead, it uses a combination of characters to represent the square root sign. This can lead to inconsistencies in the appearance of the square root sign, especially when used in mathematical equations.

The Problem with the Code

The code provided earlier is a simple example of how to typeset a mathematical equation using Arev:

\documentclass{article}
\usepackage[T1]{fontenc}
\usepackage{arev}
\begin{document}
${ \sqrt{n} + \sqrt{n+1} }$
\end{document}

However, when compiled, this code produces the following output:

I think it's pretty annoying that ...

This is not the expected output, and it's clear that the square root sign is not appearing as expected.

Solutions

There are a few solutions to this problem, and we'll explore each of them in detail.

1. Using the `mathptmx` Package

One solution is to use the mathptmx package, which provides a set of mathematical fonts that are designed to work well with Arev. To use this package, simply add the following line to your LaTeX code:

\usepackage{mathptmx}

This will enable the use of the mathematical fonts provided by mathptmx, which should result in a consistent appearance of the square root sign.

2. Using the `unicode-math` Package

Another solution is to use the unicode-math package, which provides a set of Unicode-based mathematical fonts that can be used with Arev. To use this package, simply add the following line to your LaTeX code:

\usepackage{unicode-math}

This will enable the use of the Unicode-based mathematical fonts provided by unicode-math, which should result in a consistent appearance of the square root sign.

3. Using the `\sqrt` Command with the `math` Option

A third solution is to use the \sqrt command with the math option. This can be done by adding the following line to your LaTeX code:

\sqrt[n]{}

This will enable the use of the math option with the \sqrt command, which should result in a consistent appearance of the square root sign.

4. Using the `\sqrt` Command with the `scriptsize` Option

A fourth solution is to use the \sqrt command with the scriptsize option. This can be done by adding the following line to your LaTeX code:

\sqrt[n]{}

This will enable the use of the scriptsize option with the \sqrt command, which should result in a consistent appearance of the square root sign.

Conclusion

In conclusion, getting consistent square root signs in Arev can be a challenge, but there are several solutions available. By using the mathptmx package, the unicode-math package, the \sqrt command with the math option, or the \sqrt command with the scriptsize option, you should be able to achieve a consistent appearance of the square root sign in your mathematical equations.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind when working with Arev and mathematical equations:

Use the mathptmx package: This package provides a set of mathematical fonts that are designed to work well with Arev.
Use the unicode-math package: This package provides a set of Unicode-based mathematical fonts that can be used with Arev.
Use the \sqrt command with the math option: This will enable the use of the math option with the \sqrt command, which should result in a consistent appearance of the square root sign.
Use the \sqrt command with the scriptsize option: This will enable the use of the scriptsize option with the \sqrt command, which should result in a consistent appearance of the square root sign.

Common Issues

Here are a few common issues that you may encounter when working with Arev and mathematical equations:

Inconsistent square root signs: This can be caused by the way the font is designed, and can be resolved by using the mathptmx package, the unicode-math package, the \sqrt command with the math option, or the \sqrt command with the scriptsize option.
Missing mathematical fonts: This can be caused by the lack of mathematical fonts in the Arev font family, and can be resolved by using the mathptmx package or the unicode-math package.

Conclusion

Q: What is the issue with the square root sign in Arev?

A: The issue with the square root sign in Arev is due to the way the font is designed. Arev is a sans-serif font, and as such, it doesn't have a built-in square root symbol. Instead, it uses a combination of characters to represent the square root sign. This can lead to inconsistencies in the appearance of the square root sign, especially when used in mathematical equations.

Q: How can I fix the issue with the square root sign in Arev?

A: There are several solutions to this problem. You can use the mathptmx package, the unicode-math package, the \sqrt command with the math option, or the \sqrt command with the scriptsize option. Each of these solutions will provide a consistent appearance of the square root sign in your mathematical equations.

Q: What is the difference between the `mathptmx` package and the `unicode-math` package?

A: The mathptmx package provides a set of mathematical fonts that are designed to work well with Arev. The unicode-math package provides a set of Unicode-based mathematical fonts that can be used with Arev. Both packages can be used to achieve a consistent appearance of the square root sign in your mathematical equations.

Q: How do I use the `\sqrt` command with the `math` option?

A: To use the \sqrt command with the math option, simply add the following line to your LaTeX code:

\sqrt[n]{}

This will enable the use of the math option with the \sqrt command, which should result in a consistent appearance of the square root sign.

Q: How do I use the `\sqrt` command with the `scriptsize` option?

A: To use the \sqrt command with the scriptsize option, simply add the following line to your LaTeX code:

\sqrt[n]{}

This will enable the use of the scriptsize option with the \sqrt command, which should result in a consistent appearance of the square root sign.

Q: What are some common issues that I may encounter when working with Arev and mathematical equations?

A: Some common issues that you may encounter when working with Arev and mathematical equations include inconsistent square root signs, missing mathematical fonts, and incorrect font sizes. These issues can be resolved by using the mathptmx package, the unicode-math package, the \sqrt command with the math option, or the \sqrt command with the scriptsize option.

Q: How can I troubleshoot issues with the square root sign in Arev?

A: To troubleshoot issues with the square root sign in Arev, try the following:

Check your LaTeX code for errors.
Make sure that you are using the correct font package (e.g. mathptmx or unicode-math).
Try using a different font package or a different font altogether.
Check the documentation for the mathptmx package and the unicode-math package for more information on how to use them.

Q: Can I use Arev with other font packages?

A: Yes, you can use Arev with other font packages. However, you may need to adjust your LaTeX code to accommodate the different font packages. For example, you may need to use a different font size or a different font family.

Q: Are there any other font packages that I can use with Arev?

A: Yes, there are several other font packages that you can use with Arev. Some popular options include the mathpazo package, the newtxmath package, and the stix package. Each of these packages provides a different set of mathematical fonts that can be used with Arev.