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Math Notation, Graphing, and Resources Questions:

Math Notation, Graphing, and Resources Q&A

How do I post mathematics notation and symbols online?

The answer depends on a variety of things including what kinds of expressions you want to type, what software you have available, and your technological experience.

  • Use simple notations:
    For a power use ^ or the superscript key. See How do you type superscripts?
    For a square root type sqrt() or use ASCII to produce √. See ASCII codes.
    For pi or infinity, just use the words. Or if you are familiar with HTML see Using HTML.
    For "or equal to" inequalities type < or > then select it and underline it using U.

  • Use plain text: Most common method.
    The most common way to write mathematics online is using plain text. For examples, tips, and cautions see How do you type math experessions in plain text?

  • Use a free online equation editor:
    To show lots of steps or more complex expressions, you may want to use an online equation editor.
    -- Your CMS has one built in. See MoodleRoom's WIRIS Editor (Recommended!).
    -- For a more robust cut-and-paste external editor that works in MR see LaTeX Equation Editor (for higher level classes).
    -- MyMathLab has an equation editor for homework/tests: MML's math palette.

  • Purchase equation editor software:
    Purchase (not free) Math Type equation editing software and use it as an external equation editor. Equations can be cut-and-pasted into your DB message. See Using Math Type Software.

How do I type superscripts (powers) and subscripts in a discussion board?

To type a power (superscript) in a DB you can just use the caret symbol (looks like ^ and is above the 6 on a standard keyboard). For example x3 would be written as x^3.

If you prefer prettier formatting, use the superscript/subscript buttons in the DB message toolbar. For example type the base, click the x2 button, type the exponent, and click the x2 button again to leave the exponent area. The subscript button x2 is handy for typing logarithms such as LOG2x. Useful keys!

How do I type ASCII codes to make math symbols?

ASCII codes are easy to produce using your numeric keypad. They are useful when typing math notation in an email or discussion board post. Some of the more useful ones are listed below. A more complete list is available in a Windows tool called "character map".

To make the ASCII code display on a Windows system, hold the ALT key down while typing the three or four digit code on your numeric keypad, then release the ALT key and the symbol should appear. (Note: don't type the +, just the digits.) On a laptop you may need to turn on your numeric keypad first (NumLk), then hold both the FN and ALT keys down as you type the three or four digit code on the numeric keypad, release both, and the symbol appears.

I've included some HTML tags here too for those of you familiar with HTML programming. Enter the HTML editor in BB by clicking the "<>" icon. See the next question for more information about HTML in BB.

Symbol ASCII Code HTML Equivalent
fractions ¼ ALT+0188 &frac14;
one-half ½ ALT+0189 &frac12;
three-quarters ¾ ALT+0190 &frac34;
infinity sign ∞ ALT+236 &infin;
pi symbol π ALT+227 &pi;
multiplication dot x·y ALT+0183 &middot;
division sign ÷ ALT+0247 &divide;
approximately equal to ≈ ALT+247 &asymp;
not equal to ≠   &ne;
less than <   &lt;
greater than >   &gt;
less than or equal to ≤ ALT+243 &le;
greater than or equal to ≥ ALT+242 &ge;
intersection ∩ ALT+239 &cap;
union ∪ just use U &cup;
plus or minus ± ALT+0177 &plusmn;
square x² ALT+0178 &sup2;
cube x³ ALT+0179 &sup3;
radical sign √ ALT+251 &radic;
absolute value bars | | use SHIFT \ on keyboard (looks like two vertical dashes)
composition f º g ALT+0186  
sum sign ∑ ALT+228 &sum;
angle mark ∠   &ang;
degree mark ° ALT+0176 &deg;
perpendicular ⊥   &perp;
dot product V•W ALT+0149 &bull;
cross product V×W ALT+0215 &times;
therefore ∴   &there4
implies ⇒   &rArr;
if and only iff ⇔   &hArr;
for all ∀   &forall;
there exists ∃   &exist;
such that    
is an element of ∈   &isin;
differential operator ∇   &nabla;
integral sign ∫   &int;
Greek letters

Lower case: α β γ δ θ π φ

Upper case: Α Β Γ Δ 		ALT+224 for α
ALT+225 for β		 Lower case:
&alpha; &beta; &gamma; &delta;
&theta; &pi; &phi; etc.
Upper case:
&Alpha; &Beta; &Gamma; &Delta etc.

How do I type HTML tags to make math symbols in a discussion board?

If you are familiar with HTML programming you can use HTML tags to format your messages and produce some mathematical symbols. I have included some useful HTML tags in the chart above.

How do I type math expressions in plain text?

The most common way to write mathematics online is to write expressions horizontally in plain text, but you have to format the expressions carefully using appropriately placed parentheses and accurate notation.

Writing Mathematical Expressions in Plain Text - Examples and Cautions. READ ME!

How do I use WIRIS, the equation editor in MoodleRooms?

MR comes with a built-in equation editor called WIRIS. It provides the ability to write nicely formatted math expressions in a MR discussion board message without having to type them horizontally in plain text. It is quite useful for typing math problems into a DB post so that the equations display as they would in a textbook. It is fairly user-friendly but if you need directions please see the WIRIS User Manual and/or this YouTube Tutorial.

How do I use the math palette and graphing tools in MyMathLab?

Three tutorials are available to teach you how to math notation into MML's TTEs and assessments:

  1. How to Enter Answers Using the MathXL Player Tour is the best one to start with.
  2. When working tracked tutorial exercises or assessment in MML there is a math palette (on the left of the screen) that allows you to enter mathematical symbols. Pearson's Math Palette Help provides assistance with the math palette.
  3. Some questions require you to produce a graph using MML's graphing tool. Pearson's Graphing Tool Help provides assistance with the graphing tool.

How do I use a LaTeX equation editing software (and which is recommended)?

If working in Moodlerooms I recommend WIRIS for most students, but if you want a more robust online equation editor then external LaTeX editors can be used to create mathematical expressions which can be copied-and-pasted into a DB message in your CMS. Online LaTeX Equation Editor is an open-source free online equation editor by CodeCogs.com. It takes some practice to use, but is quite complete (including symbols for calculus, chemistry, physics) and produces cleanly formatted expressions.

Follow the steps below to create the expression and its LaTeX code. To cut-and-paste the expression into your CMS: select (highlight) the expression, copy CTRL+C, then paste CTRL+V into the body of your DB message.

How do I purchase and use Math Type ($$) equation editing software?

Math Type is a commercial equation editor software that costs about $57 (educational pricing as of 2011-05-09). They offer a 30-day free trial (www.dessci.com/en/products/mathtype/trial.asp) after which it reverts to Math Type Lite (which you can keep for free forever but does NOT work in MoodleRooms).

Math Type allows you to construct equations (using fairly intuitive user-friendly menus of math functions) which you can then cut-and-paste into a DB message to create inline equations in your post. After cut-and-pasting into your DB message, only the code will appear in the compose message window, but the equations will render upon submit.

Attn MoodleRooms Users: You must set-up the "translators" accurately in MathType settings for the rendering in MR to work properly. See www.dessci.com/en/support/mathtype/works_with.htm?target=moodle for directions. Note that Math Type works in MR but Math Type Lite does NOT.

Attn Mac Users: Math Type definitely connects to Moodle on Windows machines but please verify current Mac compatibility before purchasing.

How do I use MS Word's equation editing or MS Mathematics software?

Recent versions of MS Word (and Open Office and other office software) have an Equation Editor (see * below) that allows you to type mathematical expressions in an office document. Microsoft also has free Math software called MS Mathematics. Typing mathematics equations in either software has a pretty quick learning curve. However the expressoins produced do NOT copy-and-paste into a DB message. Instead you need to create a .gif file of the expression and embed it into your DB message. To do so try one of these methods:

  • Use screenshot software or Jing to snap a screenshot of the equation and save as a .gif.
  • Double click on the equation and "save as" a .gif, depending on your software/version.
  • "Save as" the entire document in HTML format, then navigate your computer files to the document's "files" folder which contains the .gif.

After creating a .gif file of the equation it must be embedded into the DB message (unless you use Jing). See How do I embed a graphic in a discussion board message?.

* For more information on installing and using MS Word's Equation Editor (EE) see Jolene Morris's Equation Editor or her tutorial video.

How do I create a graph online and post it to a discussion board?

Most online graphers and graphing software allow you to save the graph as a file that can then be embedded in a DB post. Below are directions for using one such online grapher to plot a quick graph which can then be easily posted to most CMS discussion boards (including MoodleRooms).

Go to iMathAS's Graphing Calculator (or whichever grapher you prefer) and plot your graph. Follow the directions below to save it to your desktop as a .GIF or .PNG file. Now go to the DB message you are writing, "embed" the file, and post! See How do I embed a graphic in a discussion board message?

How do I transfer a graph from my TI calculator to my computer and post it to a discussion board?

First download and install the TI-Connect software from the Texas Instruments website. Then use the usb cable that came with your calculator to connect to your computer. Produce the graph on your calculator and make sure the graph is displayed on your calculator screen. Launch the TI-Connect program, select the TI screen capture option, and save the capture as a .jpg file on your computer. Now go to the DB message you are writing, "embed" the file, and post! See How do I embed a graphic in a discussion board message?.

How do I post a screenshot, scanned image, photograph, or saved graphic to a discussion board?

Assuming you have a screenshot, scanned image, photograph, or saved graphic that you want to post to a discussion board, you just need to "embed" it into your post. See How do I embed a graphic in a discussion board message?.

Note: .GIF, .PNG, or .JPG are the only recommended formats. Others may not display properly or may exceed the size limitations of your online classroom.

Where might the original .GIF, .PNG, or .JPG have come?
-- Screenshot of something on your computer screen (e.g. a graph) or Jing screenshot,
-- Hand-drawn graph or diagram scanned into your computer,
-- Graph or diagram hand-drawn on a tablet,
-- Digital photo of a hand-drawn graph,
-- Image created using online grapher or paint software,
-- Image (*) from the web (cite source!),
-- Graph transferred from your calculator via cable or bluetooth.

Note: Primarily your work should be typed into the body of the DB message. Scanned-in work an acceptable option for hand-drawn graphs or diagrams, not handwritten solutions (use WIRIS instead). If you do post scanned-in handwritten work please do so rarely and do not abuse this method.

* If the image is displayed on a webpage you may be able to cut-and-paste it right into your post depending on your CMS (course management system).

How do I create a screenshot in Windows or on MAC?

Windows 7 has a screenshot software included. In the start menu click Snipping Tool. Drag your cursor to place a rectangle around the screen item you want to capture, click "save as", and save as a .gif to your desktop.

With a Mac press command + shift + 3 to capture the whole screen, press command + shift + 4 to crop and capture the part you want to save, and save as a file to your desktop.

Once you have the file created and saved, you can use it in an online message. How do I embed a graphic in a discussion board message?.

How do I use Jing to create a screenshot or mini-movie?

Jing is a free screenshot software. See Add Zing with Jing from Clark Cannell Library or Jing Instructions from Jolene Morris, Univ. of Phoenix Online. With Jing you may be able to cut-and-paste your screenshot graphic from a webpage directly into an discussion board message with no "embed" needed.

Where can I find a scientific calculator for my computer?

On a Windows computer, click "start -> all programs -> accessories -> calculator". In "view" click "scientific" rather than "standard". I'm sure MAC has something similar (and MACs have a terrific built in graphing calculator! See below.).

Where can I find a free online grapher or graphing software for my computer?

Want to save money by not buying a graphing calculator? Note to online math students: Graphs produced in a webpage can be cut-and-pasted into MoodleRooms discussion board.

I want to obtain mathematics computing software. What are my options?

If you are a mathematics major or plan to take several 100 and 200-level math classes then you may benefit by having mathematics computer algebra system (CAS) software. Warning: all CAS's require learning specific commands and notation and take time with which to become proficient. Instead of purchasing a CAS, Wolfram | Alpha may provide you sufficient capabilities, is user-friendly, and available free online.

SageMath is a free open source alternative to the commercial programs Maple, Mathematica, etc.

If you do choose to purchase a CAS, Maple is the most popular choice at Clark College. Some of Clark's upper math classes require Maple software and Maple is installed in some Clark College computer labs. (Ask me for a student discount code if you choose to purchase Maple.) Personally I prefer Mathematica, but it is more expensive and geared more to professional mathematicians and educators than to students. Matlab and MathCad are also possibilities but generally less supported that Maple and Mathematica.

I want to purchase a handheld graphing calculator. Which one should I buy and where?

If you choose to purchase a handheld graphing calculator, the Clark Math Division's Which Graphing Calculator Should I Buy? may help you decide which make/model. Generally I suggest TI-84 in sub-100 level courses and TI-89 or higher in 100-level courses.

You can buy a new graphing calculator at the Clark College bookstore, office supply stores, electronic stores, or new/used online. The Clark College bookstore has used graphing calculators for rent (subject to availability).

I need a tutorial on how to use my graphing calculator. Where can I turn for help?

Calculator help from Clark College mathematics faculty:

Calculator help from textbook publishers, calculator makers, and other sources:

Additional suggestions:

  • Ask a tutor for a graphing mini-lesson (to maximize your 1:1 time pick an off peak hour).
  • Ask your instructor for help during an office hour.
  • Post questions to your class discussion board.

Where online can I find some free printable graph paper?

Try www.incompetech.com/graphpaper or www.printfreegraphpaper.com.

Where can I find math tutorial videos on the internet?

Where can I find math websites, resources, lessons, and help on the internet?

I have math anxiety. Do you have any suggestions to help?

Math anxiety can be a debilitating problem, but one that you can work to overcome! It often comes from bad experiences with math in the past, not having a positive attitude (e.g. saying to yourself that you "can't do it" or that your "brain isn't wired for math" are real killers!), and being ill-prepared / not practicing enough / not truly putting in quality study time. There are several well researched things you can do to relieve math anxiety. Here are a few suggestions:

* Clark math Professor Mark Elliott wrote an Academic Success Guide with general recommendations for success in college.
* The Clark Mathematics Departments provides The Keys to Math Success pamphlet of resources.
* Clark math Professor Paul Casillas runs an hour-long free Math Success Seminar (MASS) usually a few times a quarter. Watch the math department website for announcements.
* Cuesta College in California provides some excellent Math Study Skills suggestions.
* Sheila Tobias, an internationally recognized math anxiety specialist, wrote Overcoming Math Anxiety which is worth borrowing from a library.

I have test anxiety. Do you have any suggestions to help?

The Clark College Career and Employment Services Center runs "Test Anxiety" and "Test-Taking Tips and Strategies" workshops every quarter under their "Student Success Workshops" program. These are free seminars and well worth taking advantage! See http://www.clark.edu/student_services/employment/success_workshops.php for schedule.

In addition or instead you can schedule a private meeting (again a free service) with a Clark College counselor. The person who runs the test anxiety workshop is Tani McBeth. You can call the Clark College Counseling Center to set up a 30 minute appointment with her to assist you with test anxiety avoidance strategies. Any of the counseling staff are available for appointments -- see www.clark.edu/student_services/counseling/index.php for contact info.

What are the meaning of these math symbols?

If you are in Calculus or higher, here are some math symbols with which you should become familiar:

means "is an element of" means "angle"
means "implies" means "if and only if" (IFF)
means "therefore" means "such that"
means "for all" means "there exists"

In trig diagrams, what is the symbolism of the lettering?

Generally, capital letters represent points or vertices, small letters represent sides or lengths, and Greek letters represent measures of angles (printable Greek alphabet). However, sometimes textbook authors use capital letters to represent vertices and the measure of the angle at that vertex, e.g., A=80° means the measure of angle at vertex A is 80°.  Actually they should write, A=80°, where means the measure of the angle.  I will use either convention.

The most common Greek letters used in trig are = alpha ("al-fah"), = beta ("bay-tah"), = gamma ("gam-mah"), = theta ("thay-tah"), and = phi ("fee", not "fie"!).

In a standard triangle,
is the angle at vertex A across from side a, 
is the angle at vertex B across from side b, and 
is the angle at vertex C across from side c.

In a standard right triangle,
= 90°, and c is the hypotenuse.

 Copyright 2000 Sally Keely