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Now, first of all let me get something clear: I do not ask for any reasons why align is btter than eqnarray. All I ask is a simple way to make this work, using eqnarray (It's obviously possible, but I'm not sure how).

$\Psi_{1}(x,\lambda)$ & = & & $ U(x,\lambda)e_{1} $ \cr
&   & & \cr
\end {tabular}
\end {eqnarray}

Yet after compiling it, I get the equation centered, instead of left-aligned. I've tried to insert \left{ ... \right} , but it wouldn't even build, and I just had many errors popping up. Could someone tell me a simple way to do so, wihout using \begin{align}. I do want to use \begin{eqnarray} (I've got my own reasons why).

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What do you mean by "left-aligned"? The default behaviour of eqnarray is to provide a right-centre-left alignment of the three components of the equation. Collectively, the entire structure is centred. Do you want the entire structure to be left-aligned? –  Werner Apr 7 '13 at 21:06
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1 Answer

You should add the fleqn option to your document class. Regardless, the following is the correct way of using eqnarray:

enter image description here

  \Psi_{1}(x,\lambda) & = & U(x,\lambda)e_{1}\label{eqn07}

You'll notice that the equation is left-aligned, although not flush with the left margin. To achieve this, add \setlength{\mathindent}{0pt} to the document preamble as well.

Note that you don't need eqnarray for a single equation. For this, the equation environment is sufficient. However, since the spacing of eqnarray is inferior to the regular math spacing, it might be better for consistency.

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And one doesn't need eqnarray at all. –  egreg Apr 8 '13 at 16:01
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