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Entering formulas

There are two ways to type: the formula editor, which is quick, and the LaTeX source, which is exact. Both feed the same engine, and you can switch at any time without losing the input.

The formula editor​

The input starts in the formula editor (the button at its right end shows f(x)). It sets the formula as you type:

You typeYou get
/a fraction; the next keys go into the denominator
*⋅\cdot
^, _an exponent, an index
→leaves the exponent, index or bracket you are in
2kga number with a unit
Enterevaluate

So m_1 = 2kg is typed as m _ 1 → = 2 k g. Without the →, = 2kg would land in the index.

Under the input you always see the LaTeX source of what you typed, with a copy button. While the input is empty, the same line shows an example that fits the current mode, such as F = 2kg \cdot 10\frac{m}{s^2} in Physics.

The LaTeX source​

Press \ (or Ctrl+L, or click f(x)) to switch to the source. The current formula is carried over as LaTeX, and the backslash you pressed starts a command, so \ sqrt goes straight on. From then on what you write is what you get:

\qty{12}{cm} + 3mm

Underneath, a live preview sets the formula; it grows with the formula's height. Use Shift+Enter for a line break in long inputs, Enter to evaluate and Esc to go back to the formula editor, which takes the source with it.

tip

Use the source for anything the editor makes awkward: \sqrt[3]{27}, \binom{5}{2}, \left.\frac{d}{dx} x^3\right|_{x=2}, matrices.

Errors​

When the input cannot be read, the result area shows ERROR with the message and, for parser errors, the Position in the input:

72\frac{km}{h} \to \frac{m}{s}

ERROR Unsupported command '\to'. (at position 16: '\to \frac{m}…')

Most messages say what to write instead:

An integral needs limits, as in \int_{0}^{1} x , dx.

See also​