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How Do You Type Solutions to Math Problems?
In your ACCESS math courses you will be completing and submitting assignments online after learning a lesson. In most cases when students complete an assignment online, it is easiest to type within a document. Math assignments contain a combination of letters, words, numbers, and symbols—or, words and mathematical expressions. We all know how to type letters, words, numbers, and symbols. What if one of your questions asked you to solve an equation. How would you type the solution to that question?
Examine the problem and its solution below.
Problem: Solve for x. 5x + 3 = 13.
How would you type the solution for this problem? You can type the solution to the problem using the keys on your keyboard, but that may take you some time to do right. Equation editors allow you to type solutions to math problems with ease without having to figure out short keys and alternatives ways to type solutions to those math problems.
In this lesson, we will use the Equation Editor in Microsoft Word to learn to type mathematical expressions, equations, and solutions to math problems. We will then look at other options for equation editors if you do not have Microsoft Word.
In Microsoft Word, to type a mathematical expression, equation, or solution on a word document, you will need to:
- Click on the line where you want to insert the equation in the document.
- Click the Insert tab.
- Click the Equation button.
- Click the Insert New Equation button.
Equation Tools Design Menu and Equation Editor Box
Once you click on the Insert New Equation button, an Equation Editor Box will pop up on the same line where you placed the cursor in the document. You will also see the Equation Tools Design tab at the top of the ribbon. The Equation Tools Design tab menu has a variety of symbols, templates, and structures that you can use to create and edit equations in documents.
The Equation Editor Box may pop up in the center of the line. You can use the Left Alignment button, the Space Bar, and/or Back button on the keyboard to move a mathematical expression, equation, or solution after you are done.
Symbols and Structure Groups
The Symbols and Structures Groups are the two main sections of the Equation Tools Design Tab menu.
The Symbols Group has subgroups:
- Basic Math,
- Greek Letters,
- Letter-Like Symbols,
- Operators,
- Arrows,
- Negated Relations,
- Scripts, and
- Geometry.
Below are some commonly used symbols that you will find in the Symbols Group. Some of the symbols can be found in two or more subgroups.
| Symbol | Description |
|---|---|
| ± | Plus/Minus Sign |
| ÷ | Division Sign |
| × | Multiplication Sign |
| ≠ | Not Equal To |
| ≅ | Approximately Equal To |
| ≤ | Less Than or Equal To |
| ≥ | Greater Than or Equal To |
| ∥ | Parallel To |
| ∠ | Angle |
| ∞ | Infinity |
| π | Pi |
The Structures Group
The Structures Group has predesigned templates that you can easily insert numbers and variables into them. The dotted boxes in the templates (structures) are where you will insert numbers and variables.
Below are some commonly used templates that you will find in the Structures Group.
| Structure -Template | Descriptions |
|---|---|
 |
Stacked Fraction |
 |
Superscript - Exponents |
 |
Subscripts |
 |
Square Root |
 |
Radical with Degree |
 |
Parentheses |
 |
Bar – Line Segment or Repeated Fraction |
 |
Right Left Symbol Above - Line Symbol |
 |
Empty Matrix with Brackets |
Google Docs
Google Docs has an equation editor, though it is not as robust as the equation editor in Microsoft Word. To insert an equation in a Google Doc,
- Place your cursor in the appropriate location in the document.
- Select Insert.
- Select Equation.
The Google Docs Equation Editor will appear horizontally above the document. It has five areas.
Greek Letters: This is used primarily for Geometry, Stats, and Trig.
Miscellaneous Operators: This includes symbols for ×, ÷, ±, perpendicular angles, and triangles.
Relations: This includes symbols for ≥, ≤, ≅ and other expressions of comparison.
Math Operators: This is similar to the templates in the Microsoft Eqation Editor. It allows you to type fractions, radicals, subscripts, superscripts, brackets, and more.
Arrows: You will not use this in your ACCESS courses.
Other Options
Most options outside of the built-in editors from Microsoft Word and Google Docs require a license. However, if these equation editors do not work for you, you can try one of the options below.