Is there an easy way to write math notations (integrals, greek letters, Sigma notation, etc) on Windows 2000?

Question

I want to write out some math equations in both Excel and Word, but I can't figure out an easy way to do it. Is there some free software out there that will help me? I know there's some Office Add-on that does it, but I can't find it on my installation disk. Are there any others? Something versatile and easy to use. Please help!

Answer 1

For individual characters, Insert Symbol works well - most of what you need will be in the Symbol font.

If you need to format equations, though, you'll need to use Equation Editor. You should be able to find this in the Office installation hierarchy under Tools or something along those lines. To use it, if you don't have the toolbar button displayed, go to Insert > Object and select Microsoft Equation from the list. It has several different groups for different kinds of symbols and placeholders. The placeholder ones make sure the formatting is correct, and can be nested - so if you want to write an expression for the square root of the determinant of a matrix of polynomial fractions, you can.

Equation Editor has some problems, though - at least it did when I last used it substantially, some years ago now. Be prepared for file sizes to balloon dramatically if you use lots of equations, and don't expect to be able to read them on a system running any other version of Office (though most of the time it will probably be OK). NEVER edit your document with any other version of Office, because it's likely that some of your equations will be scrambled if you do.

For the mathematical professional, though, there's no substitute for LaTeX (or, to avert flames, similar systems such as TeX, AMSTeX, etc). This allows you to use text codes for every imaginable mathematical operation (and probably a whole bunch more you've never heard of). This keeps file sizes small, allows you to edit your document on any software on any system, and automatically handles layout, cross-referencing, bibliography and more. Also, it's free. The learning curve is steep, though, so it's not worth learning for casual use. I recommend using an editor like WinEdt which has many features designed expressly for TeX/LaTeX editing. (Not free, but not too expensive either.)

To get many of the benefits of LaTeX without having to learn all the codes, you can try software like Scientific Word. This is essentially a visual front-end around a LaTeX/word processing combination package, so you can enter formulae directly in an Equation Editor-like interface together with text. However, you are obviously then tied to the software, and it's not very cheap ($180 US for a student licence, $525 US for an academic licence).

Answer 2

Math Notation In Word

Answer 3

I suppose you can use microsoft word, right?open a new document, right click on any toolbar at the top of your Microsoft word window(under file edit view bla bla bla), the click on the lowest one from the menu that appear (customize), under the command tab, click insert on your left hand side, and start looking for "equation editor" on your right hand side (the button has blue alpha in the divider). Now that you found it, drag the button to any toolbar to put it there. then, anytime you need to make the strange symbol came out, just press the button and pick what you want to write in the equation toolbar. Hope it helps

Answer 4

I know there are some who use more high tech methods, but I keep my Windows character map open and just copy and paste the symbols I need. My laptop is such a pain to use the Char + number method, it's easier for me to do it this way. I WISH there was a Windows macro (like in Word) you could create. Anyone know if that's possible?

Answer 5

Equation Editor should be on your installation disk. It is easy to use and has all the symbols you need.
I can't remember where I've loaded it from - but you could try Analysis Pack.
Otherwise just use Insert Symbol from the toolbar.

Answer 6

If all else fails, here's something i'd like to share:

Under ALL PROGRAMS > ACCESSORIES > SYSTEM TOOLS

There is a small utility program called CHARACTER MAP

Run this program, and from the FONTS drop down,
choose the font named SYMBOL.

You should see the familiar greek symbols there.

Click on the desired character, click on SELECT and when ready, click COPY.

Paste it in your favorite word processor.

REMEMBER: Change the font on your word processor to SYMBOL as well or this will not work.

Answer 7

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Minimise the window(s) you have open. This will reveal your desktop. Select 'START' on the desktop and click on 'All programs'. Select 'Accessories' Select 'System tools' Click the 'RIGHT' mouse button on 'Character Map'. Select 'SEND TO' Select 'Desktop - create shortcut'. The character map shortcut icon will appear on the dektop and will always be available when you want it.. Click on it and the character map will appear. Ensure that 'UNICODE' is typed in the 'character set' box. Click on the character you want to copy. It will appear bigger and show in the 'character to copy' box. Click on 'copy', maximise the window you minimised earlier, place your cursor where you want the character. RIGHT click and select 'Paste'...Voila..your character appears. (The calculator can be accessed in the same way). (Sounds a bit involved but, you'll quickly get used to using it).