Therefore (∴) and because (∵) in LaTeX
\therefore prints the three-dot therefore symbol that introduces a conclusion, and \because prints the inverted because symbol that introduces a reason. Both come from the amssymb package.
LaTeX command
\thereforeNot the symbol you meant? Draw it to find the command →
\therefore renders the three dots (one on top, two below) that mark the conclusion of an argument, and \because renders the mirror image (two on top, one below) that introduces a reason. In full LaTeX both require the amssymb package; KaTeX supports them natively, so latexnotes.tech pages render them without setup.
They are relation symbols, so LaTeX spaces them accordingly. Place \therefore at the start of the concluding line and \because before the justification. They are most common in proof-style working, geometry and logic; formal papers often prefer the words therefore and since.
Do not confuse \therefore with the ellipsis \dots or with a non-standard command like \thus. The symbol is purely a three-dot glyph, and the reasoning it signals must still be written out. Keep it in math mode, as it is not defined in ordinary text.
Other forms
\becausebecause (∵)Examples
$\therefore x = 2$stating a conclusion
$a = b, \ b = c \ \therefore a = c$transitivity
$\because n \text{ is even}, \ \therefore 2 \mid n$because ... therefore
$x^2 = 9 \implies x = \pm 3 \ \therefore x = 3 \text{ or } x = -3$within a chain of reasoning
Tips and common mistakes
- Both
\thereforeand\becauseneed amssymb in full LaTeX; KaTeX includes them, so they render on latexnotes.tech directly. \thereforehas its single dot on top (a conclusion);\becausehas its single dot at the bottom (a reason). They are mirror images.- They are math-mode symbols; use them inside math delimiters, not in plain text.
- For prose, many style guides prefer spelling out therefore and because; reserve the symbols for compact, proof-style working.
- Add a small space such as \ around them when they sit between statements so the line does not look cramped.
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Convert your maths to LaTeX →FAQ
How do I write the therefore symbol in LaTeX?
Use in math mode. In full LaTeX it needs the amssymb package; KaTeX supports it out of the box.
What is the command for the because symbol?
\because, for example . It is the mirror image of \therefore and also comes from amssymb.
Why does \therefore give an undefined control sequence error?
The amssymb package is not loaded. Add \usepackage{amssymb} in a full LaTeX document; on a KaTeX-based renderer it works without any package.