How to type terminology on word document.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around how to effectively type mathematical terminology and expressions in a word processing document, specifically addressing the challenges of using Microsoft Word versus LaTeX for creating neat and readable notes for a mathematics club.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in typing derivatives and subscripts in Word, seeking a solution for clarity in notes.
  • Another participant suggests using LaTeX as a preferable alternative for typesetting mathematical expressions, noting its ease of learning and quality output.
  • There is a mention of the integration symbol and the need for interval notation, indicating additional requirements for the participant's notes.
  • Several participants discuss the capabilities of Microsoft Word's Equation Editor, with questions about its installation and functionality across different versions of Word.
  • Concerns are raised about whether LaTeX documents can be printed and if existing Word documents can be edited in LaTeX, with responses affirming that LaTeX can generate printable documents and that copying from Word is possible but may require adjustments.
  • A participant shares their experience with LaTeX for large projects, emphasizing its robustness compared to Word for extensive documentation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the use of Word versus LaTeX, with some advocating for LaTeX as the superior option for mathematical typesetting, while others inquire about the practicality of using Word's features. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach for the original poster's needs.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the potential lack of familiarity with LaTeX for some participants, varying capabilities of Word's Equation Editor across different versions, and the need for adjustments when transitioning from Word to LaTeX.

Mathmanman
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So, I was trying to type something like dy/dx or dt/dy or a^(n)dy/dx
But the problem is: I can't write subscripts on word or nth order derivatives. For my math club, I can't use ^ symbol or dx/dx (must be fraction form). I also need to know how to write the subscripts for y1, y2, y(n-1), y(n) for example.

So how do I do that? The main goal is to be neat and easy to read, since I don't want to confuse people in my mathematics club. (I'm making notes for them)
 
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You could always make your notes in LaTeX. It takes a very short while to learn the specifics.
 
I forgot to mention, the integration symbol with interval [a,b]
 
What is LaTeX?
 
Mathmanman said:
What is LaTeX?

It's this awesome program that all mathematicians use to typeset documents. It's really not too difficult to learn and you end up getting nice formulas such as

\int_a^b \frac{dy}{dx} dx

This is a short guide for how to type LaTeX on this forum: https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=3977517&postcount=3

If you are interested in making your own documents, then I highly recommend the website https://www.writelatex.com/ No need to download anything, you can start typing your notes immediately (of course, if you write a lot in LaTeX, it might be worth it to finally download the program on your computer, it's free).

Read through this to get started: http://tug.ctan.org/tex-archive/info/latex-veryshortguide/veryshortguide.pdf
A list with the basic commands can be found on the FAQ I linked: https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=3977517&postcount=3

The only real difference is that the command

Code: 
##x^2##

should be changed by

Code: 
$x^2$
 
So, I can copy and paste it into word?
 
Microsoft Word normally comes with a tool named Equation Editor. Do you have it installed?
 
Mathmanman said:
So, I can copy and paste it into word?

The idea is never to use word again.
 
micromass said:
The idea is never to use word again.
Oh okay. But will it print out as a full page on paper? Can I copy and paste a word document that has been already made and edit with LaTeX?
 
  • #10
jtbell said:
Microsoft Word normally comes with a tool named Equation Editor.
No I have not. Where can I go to install it? Link please.
 
  • #11
Mathmanman said:
Oh okay. But will it print out as a full page on paper?

Sure. LaTeX is used to generate pdf documents (or other formats). These can be read and printed.

Can I copy and paste a word document that has been already made and edit with LaTeX?

Yes, you can just copy paste a word document into a LaTeX editor. You will likely have to make some adjustments though.

You should really try LaTeX. All mathematicians use it and all math books and articles are written with it. I am willing to help you with it if you want.
 
  • #12
Mathmanman said:
No I have not. Where can I go to install it? Link please.

Which version of Word are you using? Apparently with Word (for Windows) 2003 Equation Editor was an add-on program (available on the Word installation disc, not as a download), but for 2007 and later the equation-editing capability was built in.

Inserting an equation in Word 2013

Word 2010

For other versions of Word, try Googling for something like "Word xxxx equation editor".

I use the Mac OS version (2011) which still has a separate Equation Editor, but I replaced it with MathType (not free) which has more features including exporting to LaTeX.
 
  • #13
Mathmanman said:
Oh okay. But will it print out as a full page on paper? Can I copy and paste a word document that has been already made and edit with LaTeX?

People sometimes use "LaTeX" to mean just the equation editing part of the system (and on a forum like PF, the equation editing is the only part that is available).

LaTeX is a complete document creation system. I've used it on huge projects (e.g. 10,000 pages of text with maybe 50,000 cross-references from one place to another) that didn't contain any math equations at all. Don't try doing something that big in Word, if you want to stay sane!
 
  • #14
@AlephZero I know this has nothing to do with the topic, but out of curiosity, what did you need for 10,000 pages of text??
 

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