I would like to be able to convert R expressions (ex. 1/2*x^2) or formulas into a character string that contains the LaTeX (ex. "\frac{1}{2} \times x^{2}" - or something similar). I know that expression() can be used for something similar, generating mathematical notation in figures, but I'm not sure how to convert a similar type of expression into LaTeX. I want to be able to include this into a Sweave document.
Please give an example (like with the 1/2*x^2), instead of just saying "use the tikzDevice package". It sounds like the Hmisc package might be able to do what I want, but I haven't figured out how yet.
I'm wanting to avoid using a CAS (computer algebra system), because I want it not have to rely on a complex external application, like that Ryacas uses, and want it to be able to run quickly.
latexTranslate provides valid LaTeX output from string input but only partial expansion. The translation of x/y will not be converted to the prefix version, \frac {1} {2}.
require(Hmisc)
latexTranslate("1/2*x^2")
#[1] "1/2*x$^{2}$"