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.
Image of a math question typed into the rich text editor and with an equation generated by the math editor beneath, marked off by a rectangle

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.

Image of the rich text editor, with the + menu open and Math in the dropdown

You can access many features in the math editor by selecting different tabs at the top.

Image of the math editor showing an equation including a fraction that is partially complete, with two green boxes indicating blanks

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.

Image of a completed math equation in the math editor, showing symbols, fractions, and subscripts

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

More on using the math editor


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.

View a detailed introduction to using LaTeX for mathematical formulas and how to create common formulas

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.

Rendered image of the quadratic formula

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.

$$x = \frac {-b \pm \sqrt {b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}$$

Image of the quadratic formula written in LaTeX in the rich text editor: $$x = \frac {-b \pm \sqrt {b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}$$

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.

Image of the rendered version of the quadratic formula above a question

5. Select Edit in the rich text editor to go back to your LaTeX code.

Image of the ellipsis menu of a question showing the Edit button in the dropdown

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.

$$x = \frac {-b \pm \sqrt {b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}+1$$

Image of the quadratic formula plus one written in LaTeX in the rich text editor: $$x = \frac {-b \pm \sqrt {b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}+1$$

7. Select Save to render the formula as a new image.

Image of the rendered version of the quadratic formula plus one above a question

8. You can make further adjustments to the style of the formula. In the rich text editor, select anything inside the LaTeX code.

Image of the LaTeX equation for the quadratic formula plus one within the rich text editor, with the text cursor highlighted

Open the math editor.

Image of the quadratic formula plus one in LaTeX, with the + menu and the math editor option highlighted

Apply the styles you want to the formula. For example, you can bold part of the formula and change the font size.

Image of the quadratic formula plus one in the math editor, with a large font size and square root bolded

9. Select Save in the math editor. The LaTeX code for the quadratic formula with your style adjustments is now:

$$\style{font-size:36px}{x=\frac{-b\pm\sqrt{\boldsymbol b^{\mathbf2}\boldsymbol-\mathbf4ac}}{2a}+1}$$

Image of the quadratic formula plus one written in LaTeX in the rich text editor, with styles applied: $$\style{font-size:36px}{x=\frac{-b\pm\sqrt{\boldsymbol b^{\mathbf2}\boldsymbol-\mathbf4ac}}{2a}+1}$$

10. Select Save in the rich text editor to render your adjusted formula as an image.

Image of the rendered quadratic formula plus one in 36 px font

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.

Image of a screen reader translating a rendered formula to text

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.

Image of the user profile in ultra, with the language menu highlighted in blue

If a language is not supported by the math editor or rich text, formulas are read in English.

More on keyboard shortcuts

Languages supported by the math editor