Use the Equation Editor

Updated 28 Aug 2023

The Equation Editor lets you create expressions that include mathematical notation, symbols, and other special characters to include in your custom questions.

To open the Equation Editor window, click Equation Editor in the left menu.

The Equation Editor window shows you the internal name of your expression and lets you enter a description of your expression in the Authoring notes box.

Select Use math style to automatically convert certain characters or combinations of characters to mathematical notation. For example, if you type the word "since," it automatically converts to sin c .

The following math functions and symbols automatically show in math style:

Math functions or symbol	Math style
Trigonometric functions	sin, cos, tan, csc, sec, cot
Hyperbolic trigonometric functions	sinh, cosh, tanh, csch, sech, coth
Inverse trigonometric functions	arcsin, arccos, arctan, arccsc, arcsec, arccot
Exponential constant
Imaginary unit	i
Natural logarithmic function	ln
Common logarithmic function	log

The area at the bottom of the Equation Editor window contains a type-in box where you enter your expression. Everything within the box is grouped together as one element that is not broken across two lines in the question-and-answer area.

Use the options above the type-in box to enter your expression:

— Undo/redo your previous entries. You have multiple levels of undo.
— Delete your entire expression.
— Opens the Edit Algorithmic Values window, where you can create an algorithmic value to include in your expression.
— Format highlighted text. For example: apply bold or change the size.
— Insert operators.
— Insert set operators.
— Insert symbols.
— Insert lowercase Greek characters.
— Insert uppercase Greek characters.
— Insert currency symbols.
— Create new algorithmic values or insert existing values.
— Insert templates for fractions, roots, division, or absolute values.
— Insert templates for superscripts and subscripts.
— Insert grouping symbols.
— Insert templates for integrals and sums.
— Insert templates for primes and accents.
— Insert templates for rays and arrows.
— Insert table templates.
— Insert matrix templates.