1
$\begingroup$

When using Plot[], is it possible to have axes labeled with multiples of $\tau=2\pi$, not $\pi$?

This question is not a duplicate of (Axes labels as multiples of $\pi$). Replacing [Pi] with [Tau] doesn't help (when you define $\tau=2\pi$), as Mathematica seems to be hard-wired to label the axis with multiples of $\pi$. I want the letter $\tau$ to be rendered, not the number $2$ and the letter $\pi$. Is there a solution?

$\endgroup$

1 Answer 1

3
$\begingroup$

This does not sound right to me:

"... as Mathematica seems to be hard-wired to label the axis with multiples of 𝜋"

You should always share code of what you have tried so people can find and explain your errors to you. Here is 2 different ways to approach labeling in your case:

Plot[Cos[x],{x,-5Pi,5Pi},Ticks->{Range[-6Pi,6Pi,2Pi],Automatic}]

enter image description here

Plot[Cos[x],{x,-5Pi,5Pi},Ticks->{Table[{2Pi n,n "𝜏"},{n,-3,3}],Automatic}]

enter image description here

As @BobHanlon kindly noticed in the comments, String around "𝜏" is

  1. a safety mechanism against "evaluating to numerical value" if 𝜏 was assigned a value

  2. a flexible construct to render more complex things for Ticks as Style can be applied, etc.

This is explained well in the doc page.

$\endgroup$
2
  • $\begingroup$ I tried using [Tau] (with a backslash at the front) but it didn't work. It seems that writing 𝜏 does the job. Thanks. $\endgroup$
    – Vestoo
    Mar 26 at 17:43
  • 3
    $\begingroup$ @Vestoo - if you have previously given \[Tau] a value, the symbol [Tau] will never appear in the output since its value will always be substituted. That is why the string must be used for it to appear. $\endgroup$
    – Bob Hanlon
    Mar 26 at 17:51

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.