Fixing Equations in OpenOffice -> Word

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges of transferring equations from OpenOffice to Microsoft Word, particularly in the context of submitting homework. Participants explore various solutions to ensure that mathematical content is preserved during the conversion process.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes issues with equations becoming corrupted when exporting from OpenOffice to Word, specifically mentioning missing symbols.
  • Another participant argues that requiring the use of Word for math projects is unreasonable, suggesting that it places undue burden on students who may not have access to the software.
  • A different participant acknowledges the teacher's lack of familiarity with alternative formats and suggests exporting graphics as bitmaps to maintain integrity in Word.
  • One suggestion is to export the document as a PDF, with a warning that if the teacher does not accept PDFs, a complaint could be warranted.
  • Another proposed method is to save the document in HTML format, then open it in Word and save it as a .doc file.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the reasonableness of requiring Word for math submissions, with some defending the teacher's position while others criticize it. Multiple solutions are proposed, but no consensus on the best approach is reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants note limitations related to software accessibility and the potential for formatting issues during file conversion. The discussion does not resolve the underlying issue of compatibility between OpenOffice and Word.

daniel_i_l
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I have a little problem. I have homework that I have to give in as a word document. But since I only have OpenOffice.org I wrote it in that using it's great formula editor to write equations. Then I exported it to a Word (.doc) file but when I opened it with word all the equations were messed up (for example the + sign was missing everywhere). What should I do?
Thanks.
 
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Tell the person who requires you to write it in Word that it is unreasonable to expect you to use a program that is not available free of charge for all OSs. I'd leave the morals of using MS at all out of it. But anyone who requires you to use Word (and nothing else) for a maths project is in an indefensible position.
 
But anyone who requires you to use Word (and nothing else) for a maths project is in an indefensible position.

I wish this were the case, but their defense is simply "I was graduated with my degree without any training in an acceptable math writing software".

The poor teacher is not concerned about morals of using MS, he is just unable to work with other formats.

And my advice to the OP is to export the graphics as bitmaps, and import them into word.
 
Export it to PDF.

If you can't print it off in PDF or the teacher / lecturer won't accept it in PDF then I'd personally launch a complaint with the school / college/ university.

Your other less favourable option would be to save it in HTML, open it in Word, save it as .doc.
 

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