How do you type math symbols in your question or answer?

Question

I have seen people answering using square root symbols, integral symbols etc. Do you need a special key board? Do you have to use control keys or do you have to download fonts? How is it done?

Answer 1

either use alt codes
ALT-227 π
ALT-236 ∞
ALT-241 ±
ALT-242 ≥
ALT-243 ≤
ALT-246 ÷
ALT-247 ≈
ALT-248 °
ALT-251 √
ALT-253 ²
or
copy/paste
γσαЄΠ Φ Ψ Ω Λ θ ξ λ ω ρ Γ β ζ ε φ δ ƒ
∑ π ∂ √ μ ∫ ~ ≈ ≠ ≡ ≤ ≥ ÷ ×±√ ∞
→ ← ¯ • ¹ ² ³ ° ∩∆ ○●▬ ►◄
¼ ½ ¾ ⅓ ⅔ ⅛ ⅜ ⅝ ⅞
∴ ∇

,.,.,.,.,.,.,

Answer 2

I'm not sure but, the person above me seems to know. So, he gets a thumbs up!! I'm glad that you asked this question because I was curious as to how to use symbols. Ruth