This package is the principal package in the AMS-LaTeX (amslatex) distribution. It adapts for use in LaTeX most of the mathematical features found in AMS-TeX (amstex); it is a near-indispensable adjunct to serious mathematical typesetting in LaTeX.

When amsmath is loaded, AMS-LaTeX packages amsbsy (for bold symbols), amsopn (for operator names) and amstext (for text embdedded in mathematics) are also loaded.

Amsmath is part of the LaTeX required distribution; however, several contributed packages add still further to its appeal; examples are empheq , which provides functions for decorating and highlighting mathematics, and ntheorem , for specifying theorem (and similar) definitions.