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481

answers:

5

First of all, let me say I'm using LyX, though I have no problem using ERT.

Secondly, what is the most simplest way to draw a simple graph like this in Latex? alt text

I've seen some documents with graphs and I've seen some examples, but I couldn't figure out how to just draw a simple graph - what packages do I need, etc?

A: 

In my experience, I always just use an external program to generate the graph (mathematica, gnuplot, matlab, etc.) and export the graph as a pdf or eps file. Then I include it into the document with includegraphics.

zdav
+2  A: 

Perhaps use tikz.

unutbu
Any way you can help me get this package installed?
Amir Rachum
@Amir Go to the sourceforge download page to get the package, then read the directions - they are pretty straight forward.
zdav
@Amir: How to install the package depends on your OS. On Ubuntu, `tikz` is provided by the `pgf` package. So all one has to do there is `sudo apt-get install pgf`.
unutbu
In Windows I didn't have to do anything. Once I had the \usepackage{tikz} in my preamble, miktex did all the rest. Same with mac. Nothing had to be done, I just had to call the package.
Vivi
+8  A: 

TikZ can do this.

A quick demo:

\documentclass{article}

\usepackage{tikz}

\begin{document}

\begin{tikzpicture}
  [scale=.8,auto=left,every node/.style={circle,fill=blue!20}]
  \node (n6) at (1,10) {6};
  \node (n4) at (4,8)  {4};
  \node (n5) at (8,9)  {5};
  \node (n1) at (11,8) {1};
  \node (n2) at (9,6)  {2};
  \node (n3) at (5,5)  {3};

  \foreach \from/\to in {n6/n4,n4/n5,n5/n1,n1/n2,n2/n5,n2/n3,n3/n4}
    \draw (\from) -- (\to);

\end{tikzpicture}

\end{document}

produces:

alt text

More examples @ http://www.texample.net/tikz/examples/tag/graphs/

More information about TikZ: http://sourceforge.net/projects/pgf/ where I guess an installation guide will also be present.

Bart Kiers
A: 

Aside from the (excellent) suggestion to use TikZ, you could use gastex. I used this before TikZ was available and it did its job too.

Pieter
A: 

I have used graphviz ( http://graphviz.org/Gallery.php ) together with LaTeX using dot command to generate graphs in PDF and includegraphics to include those.

If graphviz produces what you are aiming at, this might be the best way to integrate: dot2tex: http://www.fauskes.net/code/dot2tex

Ville Laitila