# Variable name with subscripts in Manipulator[], is it possible?

I'm trying to create a variable in Manipulate[] with a subscript in its name with the following code:

{{Subscript[r, b], 175.0, "Base radius"}, 127.0, 254.0, 1.0, Appearance -> "Labeled", ImageSize -> Tiny},


But, I've got an error message saying that the variable specification is incorrect.

Given that I can name variables like that outside Manipulator variables' specification, is it possible to overcome this behavior and define a Manipulator variable with such a name?

Best Regards,

• Post a minimal working example. That means all the code we need to get the same error. – N.J.Evans Jun 2 '15 at 20:33
• Its actually quite interesting numeric subscripts will work Manipulate[Plot[Sin[x (1 + Subscript[a, 1]x)], {x, 0, 6}], {Subscript[a, 1], 0, 2}] will. Alpha subscripts Manipulate[Plot[Sin[x (1 + Subscript[a, i]x)], {x, 0, 6}], {Subscript[a, i], 0, 2}] doesn't. Also double quoting the subscript doesn't make a difference. Possible bug? – Gordon Coale Jun 2 '15 at 20:37

As a workaround you can Set the variable Subscript[r, b] to the value of the manipulator variable.
Manipulate[

• Using HoldForm on the Variable is a nice little improvement. Manipulate[Subscript[r, b] = rb; f[rb], {{rb, 175.0, HoldForm@Subscript[r, b]}, 127.0, 254.0, 1.0, Appearance -> "Labeled", ImageSize -> Tiny}] – Gordon Coale Jun 2 '15 at 21:32