{alignat} is an environment provided by math packages that permits multiple related equations to be aligned at a common reference point, usually a sign of relation, without automatically adding extra horizontal space between components. For general questions about aligning document elements, use {horizontal-alignment} or {vertical-alignment} instead.
The alignat environment is provided by packages such as amsmath and mathtools. The alignment reference point is indicated by &, which should be placed just before the sign of relation or operation in order to obtain proper spacing. Horizontal space between equations on the same line is not added automatically, but may be explicitly specified. The end of all lines except the last is indicated by \\. The related environment align automatically adds horizontal space between equations on the same line. Both alignat and align produce equation numbers on each line; numbers can be omitted from individual lines with \notag or \nonumber. Starred versions without numbering are
provided as well.
The sub-environments alignedat and aligned are building blocks to be used when the aligned component is only part of a longer multi-line structure. The width of each component is only as large as necessary, so that it can, for example, be set within delimiters.
Use of these environments is described in the amsmath users guide, which on a TeX Live system can be accessed by texdoc amsmath.
For general questions about aligning document elements, use horizontal-alignment or vertical-alignment instead.
