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latexenumerate

Changing the numberings of nested lists in an Enumerate environment, in LaTeX


I want to produce the following in LaTeX:

1. Item
    2. Item
    3a. Item
    3b. Item
    4. Item
5. Item

Basically I have already tried using nested enumerate environments, but I have a problem with implementing the different numberings.

How can I do the above in LaTeX?


Solution

  • The purpose of the {enumerate} environment is to number things algorithmically. If you really want the numbers to appear as shown in your question, I can't identify what algorithm you want to be used. For the example you show, I think the easiest method is just to program the labels yourself instead of trying to program LaTeX to do it. I would just do it this way:

    \begin{itemize}
    \item[1.]  Item
       \begin{itemize}
        \item[2.  ] Item
        \item[3a. ] Item
        \item[3b. ] Item
        \item[4.  ] Item
       \end{itemize}
    \item [5. ] Item
    \end{itemize}
    

    With LaTeX, the quickest path to a solution often involves brute force :-)