UVACollab HelpUVACollab DocumentationGetting Started Rich-Text EditorHow do I add mathematical notation in the Rich-Text Editor?

# How do I add mathematical notation in the Rich-Text Editor?

## Step-by-Step Instructions

You can embed mathematical notation in the Rich-Text Editor in one of the following ways:

1. If LaTeX has been enabled in the site and tool where you are working, you can add mathematical notation using LaTeX (this method is recommended for accessibility).
2. Alternatively, you can use the MathML button in the Rich-Text Editor to insert an image with mathematical notation.  MathML images also need appropriate text alternatives for accessibility.  For more information about authoring text alternatives, see How can I make images more accessible?

### Add mathematical notation using LaTeX.

For LaTeX expressions to display correctly, LaTeX must first be enabled in a specific site and tool.  Instructors or site administrators can enable LaTeX in their sites by following the steps in the Help article How do I enable and use LaTeX in my site?

If LaTeX is enabled in the tool where you are working, and you enter a properly formatted LaTeX expression in the Rich-Text Editor, the appropriate symbol(s) or formula(s) will be rendered in your published content.

#### Enter the LaTeX expression in the editor.

Type or paste your LaTeX expression in the editor, surrounding the expression with $$. Here are a few examples of LaTeX expressions properly formatted for use in the editor:$$x=\frac{1+y}{1+2z^2}\int_0^\infty e^{-x^2} dx=\frac{\sqrt{\pi}}{2}\sqrt{2} \sin x$,$\sqrt{2}\,\sin x

##### View mathematical expression in posted item.

After you Save or Post the item you were creating in the editor, the published item displays the LaTeX as a rendered mathematical expression.

### Add mathematical notation using MathML.

The MathML button allows you to insert an image with math symbols or formulas.

#### Position your cursor in the editor.

Place your cursor at the position in the editor where you want the mathematical notation graphic to appear.

##### Select the Add MathML Formula icon.

The Add MathML Formula icon displays a Greek letter sigma in a gray box.

##### Select formula(s) or symbol(s) in the MathML Editor window.

The MathML Editor window pops up.

1. Using the buttons in the MathML Editor, select the symbol(s) or formula(s) to enter.
2. Select OK to add the symbol(s) or formula(s) into the editor.
##### View formula(s) or symbol(s).

The symbol(s) or formula(s) will be inserted into the editor as an image.

Important: For accessibility, you will need to add a meaningful text alternative for the image with the formula.  The type of text needed (Alternative Text and/or a longer description) will depend on the complexity of the image.  For instructions to add text alternatives, see How can I make images more accessible?