[Tex/LaTex] Correct way to typeset a bold and dotted math symbol

math-modetypography

OK, I've seen related questions which indicate that you only bold the main symbol and not subscripts, and a few other almost related questions. But what about when you are using a bold math symbol dotted?

That is, I have a letter which represents a vector. We've been writing vectors as bold letters, i.e \mathbf{u}.

We represent the first time derivative of this symbol by putting a dot on it. Should I bold the dot or not? That is choice:

  1. \mathbf{\dot{u}}, or
  2. \dot{\mathbf{u}}

Edit: All things equal, I prefer the way choice 2 looks.

Best Answer

No, you should not print the dot bold. It \dot means a derivative, why should one assume that it's bold version have the same meaning?

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