Math Editor
You can insert math equations and formulas into tests, assignments, discussions, and journals by using the math editor. You can also type LaTeX formulas into any rich text editor where the math editor is an option. The math editor runs on any browser and operating system, including smartphones and tablets. The math editor is written by WIRIS and based on standards set by markup languages like MathML.
Math formulas are rendered in the PNG image format, which have larger file sizes than text. Math formulas can take a few seconds to appear before the image displays.
Internet connection speeds and content size affect loading time. Some students may have difficulty accessing content with many formula images.
Some recommendations to reduce formula image size and loading time are:
- Create each formula separately with either the math editor or LaTeX.
- Avoid including question descriptions or extra text inside the math editor or LaTeX code. Instead, use the rich text editor to write any questions, instructions, or textual descriptions and only use the math editor or LaTeX to create the math formulas.
- For example, an instructor writes an acceleration math problem in a test. To reduce content file size, the instructor writes the description of the problem and variable values directly in the rich text editor as plain text. The instructor then writes the acceleration formula using the math editor.
Topics on this page include:
Using the math editor
Access the math editor by selecting the + icon in the rich text editor. Select Math in the menu.
You can access many features in the math editor by selecting different tabs at the top.
Use your keyboard to enter numbers, letters, and symbols. Select the appropriate icon in the math editor to create complex formulas, such as creating a square root.
TIP: If you are using an option that changes the level of the text for your formula, such as subscript or a fraction, use the arrow keys on your keyboard to return to the default level. We recommend using the keyboard to navigate within a formula.
Some of the options for building formulas in the math editor include:
- Basic operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, square roots, exponents, fractions
- Greek alphabet: alpha, beta, gamma, and others •
- Matrix calculus
- Integrals, derivatives, and limits
- Trigonometric functions: sine (sin), cosine (cos), tangent (tan)
- Font styles and sizes
The WIRIS website provides detailed information about all the functions of the math editor.
View a list of all icons available in the math editor’s tabs
Using LaTeX in the rich text editor
LaTeX is a software that can be used to create an image of a formula based on coding conventions written with plain text. Learn’s rich text editor can render LaTeX coding.
Formulas that break across multiple lines in LaTeX can’t be rendered by Learn’s rich text editor. Multiline formulas start with /begin and finish with /end.
Enter a LaTeX formula by writing the specific code within $$ symbols in the rich text editor.
Select Save to review how the formula displays as an image. You can go back into the rich text editor to edit the formula until it displays correctly. Some activities, such as tests and assignments, don’t allow students to save in the rich text editor and preview the rendered LaTeX formula. Students will have to check their submission afterwards to make sure that their formula rendered correctly.
Changing the appearance of the formulas, such as bolding or changing the font size, can’t be done using the rich text editor. To change font styles or sizes of the formula, you can select anywhere within the formula in the rich text editor, then select the math editor. All changes made in the math editor are applied when you save and added to the LaTeX code.
Example of a formula formatted in LaTeX
The quadratic formula can be formatted in LaTeX.
1. Enter $$ in the rich text editor.
$$
2. Next, enter the LaTeX code for the formula:
$$x = \frac {-b \pm \sqrt {b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}
3. Close your formula by entering $$ at the end.
$$x = \frac {-b \pm \sqrt {b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}$$
4. Select Save in the rich text editor. The math formula renders as a PNG image. Rendering the image may take a few seconds, depending on your internet connection and content size.
5. Select Edit in the rich text editor to go back to your LaTeX code.
6. Edit your formula to overwrite your LaTeX code as plain text inside the rich text editor. For example, add a +1 to the end of the quadratic formula.
$$x = \frac {-b \pm \sqrt {b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}+1$$
7. Select Save to render the formula as a new image.
8. You can make further adjustments to the style of the formula. In the rich text editor, select anything inside the LaTeX code.
Open the math editor.
Apply the styles you want to the formula. For example, you can bold part of the formula and change the font size.
9. Select Save in the math editor. The LaTeX code for the quadratic formula with your style adjustments is now:
$$\style{font-size:36px}{x=\frac{-b\pm\sqrt{\boldsymbol b^{\mathbf2}\boldsymbol-\mathbf4ac}}{2a}+1}$$
10. Select Save in the rich text editor to render your adjusted formula as an image.
Accessibility features
Math formula images are high quality, so users can zoom in and the image will still be clear. You can also change the font size to help your students. Bigger font sizes can help your students see the details of a formula with small numbers and symbols.
Formulas are accessible to screen readers as you create them and when they are rendered as images.
Alternative text for math formulas is automatically generated based on your language setting in your profile in Learn. Screen readers follow your local device settings, including language, speed, and voice. To have a better experience with your screen reader and alternative text, make sure that your language setting in Learn matches the settings on your local device.
If a language is not supported by the math editor or rich text, formulas are read in English.
