Inserting equations in the HTML Editor

The Equation Editor enables users to insert mathematical equations within the HTML Editor. It supports the input of MathML and LaTeX, and includes a graphical editor where you can visually create equations. Depending on your org settings, you may not have access to all input methods.

MathML

MathML is a standard adopted by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). It uses XML to describe mathematical notation by capturing both its structure and content. This enables MathML to support visual display and assistive technology access.

As a standard, Learning Environment stores and displays all equations in the MathML format, regardless of the format you use to enter equations. Learning Environment uses the MathJax JavaScript engine to display MathML equations.

Go to http://www.mathjax.org to learn more about MathJax features.

Note  Versions 9.4.1 and higher of Learning Environment only support MathML 3.0 markup. You might need to update existing equations if you wrote them using MathML 2.0 markup.

LaTeX

LaTeX is a typesetting system based on TeX. It provides a text syntax for complex mathematical formulae. Learning Environment stores equations entered in LaTeX format as MathML to ensure consistency and accessibility.

Graphical Equation Editor

The Graphical Equation Editor is a Javascript-based application that features a tool bar equipped with a selection of buttons. This tool bar provides the necessary elements to construct your equations quickly and easily. Each button in the Equation Editor tool bar opens a palette of related mathematical symbols.

Before using the Graphical Editor:

• Ensure that you have installed the latest version of your internet browser and that you enable Javascript.
• Disable any software or browser settings that block pop-up windows.

Tabs in the Graphical Editor

Icon	Name	Description
	General tab	Add a template for building equations. Add and edit text in your equation using the Cut, Copy, Paste, Undo, Color, and other text editing functions.
	Symbols tab	Add mathematical symbols to equations.
	Arrows tab	Update or add arrows to equations.
	Greek and letters tab	Update or add uppercase and lowercase Greek characters to equations.
	Matrices tab	Update or add matrices to equations.
	Scripts and layout tab	Add scripts or layouts to build equations.
	Decorations tab	Add fences such as brackets and vertical bars around text fields.
	Big operators tab	Update or add big operators to equations.
	Calculus tab	Add a template for building Calculus equations.

Keyboard shortcuts available in the Graphical Equation Editor

• Use Ctrl + f to create a fraction.
• Use Ctrl + 9 to add round brackets.
• Use Ctrl + h to create superscript.
• Use Ctrl + j to create subscript.
• Use Ctrl + z to undo your last action.
• Use Ctrl + i to create an integral.
• Use Ctrl + > to enlarge text and Ctrl + < to shrink text.

Using the Equation Editor

Access the Equation Editor

In the HTML Editor, click the Insert drop-down list, then choose one of the following math formats:

• Graphical equation
• MathML equation
• LaTeX equation

Create an equation

1. Select a math format from the Insert drop-down list.
2. Enter your equation and click Insert.

Edit an equation

1. In the HTML Editor, click on the box with a capital sigma sign containing the equation you want to edit.
2. Click the Insert drop-down list and choose the math format you want to edit with.
3. Make the changes you want to your equation.
4. Click Insert to update your equation.

Delete an equation

1. In the HTML Editor, click on the box with a capital sigma sign containing the equation that you want to delete.
2. Press the Delete or Backspace key to remove the equation.
3. Click Update.