Software for writing mathematical equations

Hi guys,

I have been set some work which requires me to type up some mathematical formulas. What applications (Windows XP) would you guys recommend I use?

Thanks in advance,

Joe

Reply 1

flick

I would definitely recomend using Latex, check out http://www-cryst.bioc.cam.ac.uk/~paul/latex.html

I use MikTex and WinEdt. :smile:

This might also be useful: http://www.pa.msu.edu/services/computing/faq/pc/tex/

Or just google: latex windows winedt miktex, to get a large number articles :wink:

Reply 2

Gaz031

15

You can use TeX to efficiently write math such as

Unparseable latex formula:

e^{x}=\bigsum_{r=0}^{\infty} \frac{x^{r}}{r!}

and

Unparseable latex formula:

\left( \begin{array}[br]1 & 0 & 0 \\[br]0 & 1 & 0 \\[br]0 & 0 & 1[br]\end{array} \right)

on your computer.

To use it on the forum you simply write the TeX content between [ tex] and [ /tex] tags (delete the space) - to see what someone actually typed to generate the input simply try to reply to their message - it's fairly logical though slightly daunting at first.

You will want to use the proper software for free on your computer which has many many more features for producing proper documents and the font is considerably better than that generated on the forum - follow the instructions to install software here:
http://www.artofproblemsolving.com/LaTeX/AoPS_L_About.php

A quick reference to just a few of the symbols available:
http://www.math.rutgers.edu/~sontag/latexsymbols.pdf

For more in depth tutorials try:
http://www.ctan.org/tex-archive/info/gentle/
http://www.maths.tcd.ie/%7Edwilkins/LaTeXPrimer/

Reply 3

uncleramsay

If you have Microsoft Word, you do not need anything else (as long as you have the setup disk). There is a tool called Microsoft Equation, and it has pretty much everything you need.
In Word, go to Insert > Object, then click Microsoft Equation

Reply 4

steve2005

17

JaF

Hi guys,

I have been set some work which requires me to type up some mathematical formulas. What applications (Windows XP) would you guys recommend I use?

Thanks in advance,

Joe

MathType
http://www.adeptscience.co.uk/google/mathtype.html?CMP=KNC-AD-UK-MAT-2

MathType requires no special training - it is an up-grade from Equation Editor . Equation Editor might be sufficient for your needs - it is FREE. MathType is about £80 you can try it FREE for 30 days . I suggest you search your computer for Equation Editor - it is normally provided. See attached .

Reply 5

TeX is very good. Gaz031 gave me the links in a previous thread, and with some time and patience, you can actually write meaningful mathematics with it. It's very much worth the effort, because other type setting programmes do not bring about as stunning results as TeX.

Reply 6

steve2005

17

HTale

TeX is very good. Gaz031 gave me the links in a previous thread, and with some time and patience, you can actually write meaningful mathematics with it. It's very much worth the effort, because other type setting programmes do not bring about as stunning results as TeX.

Have you tried MathType? This is what many professionals use. I know it costs - but is, in my opinion, much better than TeX. It is quick and easy to use. The mark schemes published by Edexcel use it.

Reply 7

Gaz031

15

steve2005

Have you tried MathType? This is what many professionals use. I know it costs - but is, in my opinion, much better than TeX. It is quick and easy to use. The mark schemes published by Edexcel use it.

MathType is initially less time consuming than TeX but I think most would agree that TeX produces the superior output. You can gradually get faster at using TeX whereas with MathType you're resigned to using the mouse fairly often. Obviously both have their advantages and disadvantages though.

For more information on TeX see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TeX

Reply 8

J.F.N

1

steve2005

Have you tried MathType? This is what many professionals use. I know it costs - but is, in my opinion, much better than TeX. It is quick and easy to use. The mark schemes published by Edexcel use it.

More than 99% of published mathematical papers are typeset on TeX. Professionals don't use MathType.

Reply 9

steve2005

17

J.F.N

More than 99% of published mathematical papers are typeset on TeX. Professionals don't use MathType.

Professional publishers may well use Tex but teachers, professors and people working out actual problems are more likely to use MathType or a similar program. The publisher would then use these answers and turn it in TeX for the actual printing process.

I would suggest that anyone working out a problems would either use pen and paper OR MathType. Once you have the answer you might well use TeX to publish your solution, particulary on the internet.

Reply 10

J.F.N

1

steve2005

Professional publishers may well use Tex but teachers, professors and people working out actual problems are more likely to use MathType or a similar program. The publisher would then use these answers and turn it in TeX for the actual printing process.

What professors or problem solvers are these? All those I've encountered have TeX as their native language.

Reply 11

username22878

2

The bad thing about (La)TeX is that you haven't a clue what your printed output will look like until you compile it, whereas with MathType you always have instant visual feedback.

Reply 12

Gaz031

15

ljfrugn

The bad thing about (La)TeX is that you haven't a clue what your printed output will look like until you compile it, whereas with MathType you always have instant visual feedback.

It isn't WYSIWYG but that's one of the major advantages of the software - you aren't constantly messing around with formatting controls as you type your document. As long as you keep to the logical commands your document is likely to look superior to any MS Word version.

Reply 13

steve2005

17

J.F.N

What professors or problem solvers are these? All those I've encountered have TeX as their native language.

TeX is a program for producing mathematical type on a computer - the solution to the question will have been produced by some other method.
The problem for students is that producing an answer is the main thing. MathType enables this to be done without the extra work needed to master TeX.

Reply 14

J.F.N

1

steve2005

TeX is a program for producing mathematical type on a computer - the solution to the question will have been produced by some other method.

The solution might as well have been produced on scroll paper using a feather and an ink bowl. My point is that professors or professional mathematicians nearly never use MathType.

steve2005

The problem for students is that producing an answer is the main thing. MathType enables this to be done without the extra work needed to master TeX.

I am not disputing this. MathType is easier for students to use--but it is not what professors or professionals use.

Reply 15

HTale

14

Gaz031

It isn't WYSIWYG but that's one of the major advantages of the software - you aren't constantly messing around with formatting controls as you type your document. As long as you keep to the logical commands your document is likely to look superior to any MS Word version.

Couldnt agree more. I used to use Equation editor on Word, but the results on TeX are far more superior.

Reply 16

HTale

14

Most (perhaps all) universities have special classes for LaTeX for final year projects. All professionals recommend LaTeX.

Reply 17

username22878

2

I'd wanted to use Tex for my computing project last year, but it's so fiddly when you want to insert pictures (screenshots etc.) due to not supporting JPEG and BMP - does anyone know where I can get JPEG2PS for Windows, or, failing that, something equivalent?

Software for writing mathematical equations

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