Ralph Loop: LaTeX Equation Audit

This skill starts a Ralph Loop session to systematically find calculated variables from _variables.yml that have corresponding _latex equations, and add those equations where contextually appropriate in QMD files.

Purpose

Many calculated parameters have auto-generated LaTeX equations (e.g., dfda_cures_per_year has dfda_cures_per_year_latex). When a calculated variable is used in text, adding the corresponding LaTeX equation nearby can help readers understand the calculation. This audit finds opportunities to add these equations.

Usage

Just run /latex-equation-audit to start. Optional arguments:

• /latex-equation-audit - Full project audit (default: 50 iterations max)
• /latex-equation-audit economics.qmd - Single file mode (5 iterations max)
• /latex-equation-audit --max 100 - Custom iteration limit

How It Works

1. Setup: Extracts all _latex variable names from _variables.yml
2. For each _latex variable: Finds the base variable name (strip _latex suffix)
3. Searches QMD files for uses of the base variable {{< var base_name >}}
4. Checks context: Is this a good place for the equation?
   • Good: After introducing a calculated value, in "How it works" sections, near formulas
   • Bad: In lists, tables, passing mentions, already has equation nearby
5. Adds equation: Inserts {{< var base_name_latex >}} on new line after variable use
6. Tracks progress in _latex-equation-audit-progress.md

Start Ralph Loop Now

To begin, invoke the Ralph Loop skill with this prompt:

/ralph-loop --max-iterations 50 --completion-promise "ALL_LATEX_AUDITED" Systematically find calculated variables that have _latex equations and add them where appropriate in QMD files.

SETUP (First Iteration):
1. Extract all _latex variable names: grep "_latex" _variables.yml | grep -v "^#" | cut -d'"' -f2 | sort > _latex-vars-list.txt
2. Count total: wc -l _latex-vars-list.txt
3. Create _latex-equation-audit-progress.md with all _latex vars listed as unchecked
4. Get list of QMD files: find knowledge -name "*.qmd" -type f | grep -v "_build_temp" | sort

EACH ITERATION:
1. Pick next unchecked _latex variable from progress file
2. Extract base name (e.g., dfda_cures_per_year_latex -> dfda_cures_per_year)
3. Search QMD files for {{< var base_name >}} usage
4. For each occurrence:
   a. Check if _latex version already exists within 10 lines
   b. If not, review context:
      - GOOD contexts (add equation):
        * After introducing/explaining the value
        * In methodology/calculation explanation sections
        * Where the calculation formula adds understanding
        * After prose that describes how something is calculated
      - BAD contexts (skip):
        * In bullet lists or table cells
        * Passing mentions (not explaining the calculation)
        * Already has equation within 10 lines
        * In footnotes or asides
   c. If appropriate, add {{< var base_name_latex >}} on new line after variable
5. Mark variable as checked in progress file
6. Record any additions made

COMPLETION:
When all _latex variables checked, write summary to _latex-equation-audit-report.md:
- Total _latex variables reviewed
- Number of equations added
- Files modified
- Variables with no usages found
Output: ALL_LATEX_AUDITED

RULES:
- Process ONE _latex variable per iteration
- NEVER modify _build_temp/ files
- NEVER modify parameters-and-calculations.qmd (source of truth)
- NEVER add to tables, lists, or code blocks
- Always add equation on its own line
- Leave blank line before and after equation for readability
- Skip references.qmd, futures/ chapters, vision.qmd

CONTEXT EXAMPLES:

GOOD - Add equation here:

The dFDA would enable {{< var dfda_cures_per_year >}} new cures annually. This is calculated based on the acceleration multiplier applied to baseline cure rates.

After edit:

The dFDA would enable {{< var dfda_cures_per_year >}} new cures annually. This is calculated based on the acceleration multiplier applied to baseline cure rates.

{{< var dfda_cures_per_year_latex >}}

BAD - Do NOT add equation here:

Key benefits include:

• {{< var dfda_cures_per_year >}} additional cures per year
• {{< var peace_dividend_annual >}} in savings

(equations don't belong in bullet lists)

Single File Mode

For a quick single-file audit:

/ralph-loop --max-iterations 5 --completion-promise "FILE_COMPLETE" Check for _latex equation opportunities in knowledge/economics/economics.qmd. For each calculated variable used, check if _latex version exists nearby. If not and context is appropriate, add it. Output FILE_COMPLETE when done.

Files to Skip

The audit automatically excludes:

• _build_temp/ - Build artifacts
• references.qmd - Citation database
• parameters-and-calculations.qmd - Parameter definitions (source of truth)
• futures/ - Fictional scenarios
• vision.qmd - Vision statement (narrative focused)

Contextual Decision Making

When to ADD the equation:

1. Calculation explanations: "This is calculated by multiplying X by Y"
2. Methodology sections: Explaining how values are derived
3. After standalone value introduction: "The total cost is {{< var X >}}."
4. ROI/benefit discussions: Where showing the math adds credibility

When to SKIP:

1. Lists/tables: Equations break list formatting
2. Passing mentions: "...saving {{< var X >}} annually..."
3. Already has equation: Within 10 lines above or below
4. Narrative flow: Would interrupt storytelling
5. Repeated values: Only add equation on first substantive mention

Related Commands

• /cancel-ralph - Stop an active Ralph loop
• /ralph-hardcoded-audit - Find hardcoded values to replace with variables
• /pre-render-validate - Validate all QMD files before render