How to Insert Images, Tables, and Equations in LaTeX

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Images, tables, and equations are essential in academic papers, reports, and teaching materials. The key is to use the right packages, keep the source organized, and let LaTeX handle numbering and cross-references.

Recommended packages

\usepackage{graphicx}
\usepackage{booktabs}
\usepackage{amsmath}
\usepackage{float}

graphicx inserts images, booktabs improves tables, amsmath extends mathematical typesetting, and float provides the [H] placement option when it is truly necessary.

Insert an image

\begin{figure}[htbp]
  \centering
  \includegraphics[width=0.75\textwidth]{images/chart.pdf}
  \caption{Evolution of the results.}
  \label{fig:results}
\end{figure}

Use a width relative to \textwidth or \linewidth. Vector PDF files are ideal for charts; PNG and JPG work well for screenshots and photographs.

Refer to the figure with Figure~\ref{fig:results}. The nonbreaking space keeps the label and number together.

Create a professional table

\begin{table}[htbp]
  \centering
  \caption{Performance by group.}
  \label{tab:performance}
  \begin{tabular}{lcc}
    \toprule
    Group & Average & Pass Rate \\
    \midrule
    A & 8.2 & 91\% \\
    B & 7.6 & 84\% \\
    \bottomrule
  \end{tabular}
\end{table}

Avoid excessive vertical rules. Align labels and numerical values consistently. If a table is too wide, simplify its content before reducing the font size.

Write equations

Inline equation

Energy is given by \(E=mc^2\).

Displayed and numbered equation

\begin{equation}
  f(x)=\int_{0}^{x} t^2\,dt
  \label{eq:integral}
\end{equation}

Aligned equations

\begin{align}
  x + y &= 10, \\
  2x - y &= 5.
\end{align}

The & character marks the alignment point. Use \eqref{eq:integral} to reference a numbered equation.

Control floating elements

The placement options h, t, b, and p mean here, top, bottom, and float page. The flexible combination [htbp] often gives a better result than forcing every object with [H].

Review checklist

• Every image has a clear caption and appropriate resolution.
• Tables use meaningful headers, units, and consistent decimal formatting.
• Important equations are numbered and referenced.
• Labels follow a pattern such as fig:, tab:, and eq:.
• The final PDF has no isolated captions or nearly empty pages.

Use a TexDrop template to begin with a tested structure and adapt these examples to your project.