Punctuate a sentence containing mathematics as if it were any other sentence, even if it includes displayed equations.
Punctuate according to the equation’s function in the sentence:
If \(x=1\), the model is a simple linear one.
The equation, \(x=1\), is acting as a verbal phrase, so add a comma after the introductory clause. Structurally, this sentence is the same as:
If Roger is tall, ask him to try out for the basketball team.
On the other hand:
If \(x=1\) is taken to hold for all \(y\) …
The equation is acting like a noun, so you do not add the comma. Structurally, it is the same as:
If Roger joins the basketball team …
Tip. Reading the sentence out loud may help show where to put the punctuation. Place commas and full stops where they would normally fall for text.
Do not introduce every equation with a colon:
Bragg’s law may be written as
\[ d=\frac{n\lambda}{2\sin\theta} ,\]
and can be used to help us find the atomic separations.
Ensure that the punctuation stands out from the other symbols and does not get lost:
For all \(X>W\), \(X^\prime\) is also …
The comma between \(W\) and \(X\) can easily be lost, making it look like:
For all \(X>WX^\prime\) is also …
Rewrite the sentence:
For all \(X>W\), we find that \(X^\prime\) is also …
