pmb
Creates bold math symbols by overprinting multiple slightly offset copies of the character to achieve a thicker appearance.
Overview
Provides a specialized way to create bold mathematical symbols in contexts where standard bold commands may not work effectively. Particularly useful in technical documents where:
- Regular bold math commands (\mathbf) don't provide the desired emphasis
- Working with Greek letters or special mathematical symbols that need bolding
- Creating emphasis in equations while maintaining mathematical meaning
- Ensuring compatibility across different math modes and environments
While useful, this command should be used judiciously as it can impact readability if overused and may increase compilation time due to its overprinting technique.
Examples
Emphasizing a vector quantity in an equation by making the symbol bold.
\mathbf{F} = m\pmb{\alpha}Highlighting a specific statistical parameter in a complex expression.
P(X = x | \pmb{\theta}) = \frac{e^{-\lambda}\lambda^x}{x!}Distinguishing between scalar and vector quantities in physics.
\pmb{\mu} = \mu_x\hat{i} + \mu_y\hat{j} + \mu_z\hat{k}