Mathematical Mode

There are two mathematical modes in LaTeX: inline and display. Observe:

The Pythagorean theorem is as simple as \)a^2+b^2=c^2.\) When trying to find the lengths of the three sides of a triangle, always remember:

\[a^2+b^2=c^2\]

This renders as:

When you want LaTeX to appear inline with regular body text, bookend it with \) \). When you want it to appear centred and prominent on its own line, use \[ \].

Alternatively, you could use \) \) all the time and simply centre and put on a new line any LaTeX that you would like to display that way.