Difference between revisions of "Documentation/FAQ/Formula"

From Apache OpenOffice Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
(added search)
(17 intermediate revisions by 5 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Documentation/FAQTOC}}
+
{{DISPLAYTITLE:{{OOo}} Math FAQ}}__NOTOC__{{Documentation/FAQTOC}}{{Documentation/Note| A useful first resource is the '''[[Documentation/Reference/Math_commands|OpenOffice Math Syntax Reference]]'''.}}
{{Documentation/NeedsRework}}
+
Search the FAQs: <googlefaq/>
{{DISPLAYTITLE:{{OOo}} Math FAQ}}
+
This list is ordered by popularity. The most popular FAQs are at the top. But also have a look at the bottom to find any new entries.
  
 +
Below the list you can find some more FAQs that have special characters in the title.
  
 
<DPL>
 
<DPL>
 
   category=Documentation/FAQ/Formula
 
   category=Documentation/FAQ/Formula
 +
  ordermethod=counter
 +
  order=descending
 
   replaceintitle=/Documentation.*\//,
 
   replaceintitle=/Documentation.*\//,
  include=question
 
 
   secseparators=<br>
 
   secseparators=<br>
 
</DPL>
 
</DPL>
  
<table border=0><tr><td>
+
<div style="background-color:#EEE;border:solid 1pt #AAA;padding:10px;margin-top:20px">
 +
===Add a new FAQ entry===
 
<inputbox>
 
<inputbox>
 +
bgcolor=#EEE
 
type=create
 
type=create
default=Documentation/FAQ/Formula/<INSERT FAQ TOPIC>
+
default=Documentation/FAQ/Formula/<FAQ_TITLE>
 
preload=Documentation/FAQ_Template
 
preload=Documentation/FAQ_Template
width=80
 
 
buttonlabel=Add new FAQ
 
buttonlabel=Add new FAQ
 
break=no
 
break=no
 
</inputbox>
 
</inputbox>
</td></tr></table>
+
'''Instructions'''
 
+
* Do '''not ask questions''' here, but '''give answers'''.  
==How can I get a left bracket without a right bracket?==
+
* If you have a '''question to ask''', go to the [http://user.services.openoffice.org User Forum].
Since brackets have a grouping function they must always match and
+
* Replace ''<FAQ_TITLE>'' part in the input box above by the title you would like to give the FAQ item and click '''Add New FAQ'''
be correctly nested.
+
</div>
 
+
To get a single bracket without a matching bracket partner you
+
have to escape the bracket with a backslash. For example to get a &quot;[&quot;
+
without a corresponding &quot;]&quot; you should enter "'''\['''".
+
 
+
Thus to typeset the interval [3;8) you should enter <font color="brown">'''\[3 ";" 8\)'''</font>. The quotation marks around the semicolon ensures that it
+
is not typeset in italic. (You're right, this has nothing to do with
+
brackets!)
+
 
+
For scalable brackets it is essential that '''left''' and
+
'''right''' matches, since the content that the brackets
+
encloses must be well defined.  
+
 
+
In this case you can use the invisible bracket '''none''' to
+
get a single bracket. For example to get a scalable &quot;[&quot;
+
without a corresponding &quot;]&quot; you should enter <font color="brown">'''left [
+
... right none'''</font>.
+
 
+
Thus to typeset
+
[[Image:001a.gif]]you
+
should enter<font color="brown">''' x=left lbrace binom -5 3 right none'''</font>.
+
  
 
==I enter <font color="brown">'''x^*'''</font> to typeset x<SUP>*</SUP>, but get an error message. Why?==
 
==I enter <font color="brown">'''x^*'''</font> to typeset x<SUP>*</SUP>, but get an error message. Why?==
Line 69: Line 51:
 
*The symbol<font color="brown">''' # '''</font>is used in stacks and matrices.
 
*The symbol<font color="brown">''' # '''</font>is used in stacks and matrices.
 
*The symbols<font color="brown">''' &amp; '''</font>and<font color="brown">''' | '''</font>are used for logical and and logical or.
 
*The symbols<font color="brown">''' &amp; '''</font>and<font color="brown">''' | '''</font>are used for logical and and logical or.
*The symbols<font color="brown">''' ^ '''</font>and<font color="brown">''' _ '''</font>are used for
+
*The symbols<font color="brown">''' ^ '''</font>and<font color="brown">''' _ '''</font>are used for subscripts and superscripts.
subscripts and superscripts.
+
 
+
  
 
To use them in your formula you can put them in quotation marks,
 
To use them in your formula you can put them in quotation marks,
Line 85: Line 65:
  
 
Not really. What happens here is, that Math uses multi-letter
 
Not really. What happens here is, that Math uses multi-letter
variables, which are common in some disciplines, like economy. The
+
variables, which are common in some disciplines, like economics. The
 
rule is that a variable consists of a sequence of letters, numbers
 
rule is that a variable consists of a sequence of letters, numbers
 
and dots (the first character can not be a dot).
 
and dots (the first character can not be a dot).
Line 96: Line 76:
 
times y is<font color="brown">''' 3 x y '''</font>(with spaces between the characters).
 
times y is<font color="brown">''' 3 x y '''</font>(with spaces between the characters).
  
==How do I align my equations at the equality sign?==
 
 
Currently ''Math'' does not have an alignment construction.
 
Instead you can use a matrix.
 
 
For example to typeset the equation
 
[[Image:005a.gif]]
 
 
you should enter the following:
 
<pre>
 
matrix{
 
  alignr x+y # {}={} # alignl 2 ##
 
  alignr x  # {}={} # alignl 2-y
 
}
 
</pre>
 
The empty braces around = are necessary because = is a binary
 
operator and thus needs an expression on each side.
 
 
You can reduce the spacing around = if you change the inter-column
 
spacing of the matrix:
 
 
 
*Select '''Format-Spacing'''
 
*Click ''''Category'''' and choose'''Matrixes''' in the pop-up menu.
 
*Now enter<font color="brown">''' 0% '''</font>under ''''Column spacing''''.
 
 
 
Here is another example using a different solution:
 
 
To typeset the equation
 
 
[[Image:005b.gif]]
 
 
the trick is to use <font color="brown">'''phantom'''</font> as follows:
 
 
<pre>&quot;&quot;3(x+4)-2(x-1)=3 x+12-(2 x-2) newline
 
&quot;&quot;phantom {3(x+4)-2(x-1)}=3 x+12-2 x+2 newline
 
&quot;&quot;phantom {3(x+4)-2(x-1)}=x+14</pre>
 
 
<P STYLE="margin-top: 0.2cm; margin-bottom: 0.21cm; font-weight: medium">
 
The effect of the empty quotation marks is to left justify the line -
 
a line starting with text (even an empty text) will always be left
 
justified.</P>
 
 
You can replace<font color="brown">''' &quot;&quot; '''</font>with <font color="brown">'''alignl'''</font>.
 
  
 
==I want to use a binary operator (like <font color="brown">'''union'''</font> or<font color="brown"> '''otimes'''</font>) as a large operator (like <font color="brown">'''int'''</font> or <font color="brown">'''sum'''</font>). How can I do that?==
 
==I want to use a binary operator (like <font color="brown">'''union'''</font> or<font color="brown"> '''otimes'''</font>) as a large operator (like <font color="brown">'''int'''</font> or <font color="brown">'''sum'''</font>). How can I do that?==
Line 163: Line 98:
 
preceded with<font color="brown">''' oper '''</font>as in the example.</P>
 
preceded with<font color="brown">''' oper '''</font>as in the example.</P>
  
==How do I typeset functions, such as max, det, that ''Math'' does not know about?==
 
 
''Math'' has a number of standard functions built-in, such as
 
cos, log etc.
 
 
These functions are typeset in an upright shape according to
 
typographical traditions.
 
 
To typeset other functions this way you can simply preceed the
 
function with<font color="brown">''' func'''</font>. Example:
 
 
*To typeset max(''a,b'') you should enter<font color="brown">''' func max(a,b)'''</font>.
 
 
==How do I change the fonts used in my formula?==
 
''Math'' uses 7 different text fonts to typeset formulas -
 
in addition to symbol fonts (mainly the StarMath font).
 
 
The basic fonts are:
 
 
*''Variables''. Variables (such as<font color="brown">''' x'''</font>, <font color="brown">'''a'''</font> etc.) are usually typeset in italics; the default is Times New Roman, italics.
 
*''Functions''. Functions (such as<font color="brown">''' cos'''</font>, <font color="brown">'''log'''</font> etc.) are usually typeset in upright shape; the default is Times New Roman.
 
*''Numbers''. Numbers (such as<font color="brown">''' 217'''</font> are usually typeset in upright shape; the default is Times New Roman.
 
*''Text''. Text (such as<font color="brown">''' &quot;abc&quot;'''</font>) is usually typeset in upright shape; the default is Times New Roman.
 
*''Serif'' is an additional, serifed font. The default is Times New Roman.
 
*''Sans'' is an additional, sans serif font. The default is Helvetica/Arial.
 
*''Fixed'' is an additional fixed with font. The default is Courier.
 
 
 
You can read about how to use these fonts in [[FAQ:Formula#How_do_I_change_the_font of a subformula?]].
 
 
To change one of the fonts follow these steps:
 
 
*Select '''Format-Fonts...'''.
 
*Click ''''Modify'''' and select the font you wish to modify in the pop-up menu.
 
*Select the font in the list. You can also check one or both the checkboxes ''''Bold'''' and ''''Italic''''.
 
*Close the dialog with ''''OK''''.
 
 
 
This will change the font for the current formula. The next time
 
you want to use the same font it will already be in the list box; you
 
don't have to click modify again.
 
 
To change the default fonts follow these steps:
 
 
*Select '''Format-Fonts'''.
 
*Choose the seven fonts as described above.
 
*Click ''''Default''''.
 
 
This will save your settings as the default fonts to be used in a
 
new formula.
 
 
To change the base size of the formula select '''Format-Font Size...'''
 
and enter the size you want. All other font sizes are relative to the
 
base size. The default is 12&nbsp;pt.
 
 
This will change the base size for the current formula. To change
 
the default base size you should click ''''Default'''' before you close the
 
dialog.
 
 
==How do I change the font of a subformula?==
 
You can use one of the following font attributes:
 
 
 
*<font color="brown">'''italic a '''</font>typesets<font color="brown">''' a '''</font>in italic shape.
 
*so does<font color="brown">''' ital a'''</font>>.
 
*<font color="brown">'''nitalic a '''</font>typesets<font color="brown">''' a '''</font>in upright shape (abbreviation for not italic).
 
*<font color="brown">'''bold a '''</font>typesets<font color="brown">''' a '''</font>in boldface.
 
*<font color="brown">'''nbold a '''</font>typesets<font color="brown">''' a '''</font>with normal weight (abbreviation for not bold).
 
 
 
In addition ''Math'' uses a set of three generic font families,
 
which are used as follows:
 
 
*<font color="brown">'''font serif a '''</font>typesets<font color="brown">''' a '''</font>in a serifed font, usually Times.
 
*<font color="brown">'''font sans a '''</font>typesets<font color="brown">''' a '''</font>in a sans serif font, usually Helvetica or Arial.
 
*<font color="brown">'''font fixed a '''</font>typesets<font color="brown">''' a '''</font>in a fixed font, usually Courier.
 
 
 
Font attributes can be combined as in this example:
 
 
*Enter<font color="brown">''' bold font sans A '''</font>to get <B><FONT FACE="Arial, sans-serif">A</FONT></B>.
 
 
You can apply font attributes to an entire subformula if you group
 
it with<font color="brown">''' { } '''</font>or other brackets. Example:
 
 
 
*Enter<font color="brown">''' a b bold {c d} e '''</font>to typeset ab<B>cd</B>e.
 
 
When several font attributes are applied, the innermost takes
 
precedence as shown in this example:
 
 
*Enter<font color="brown">''' bold {a b nbold c d} '''</font>to get <B>ab</B>c<B>d</B>.
 
 
 
To change the fonts used in ''Math'' see [[FAQ:Formula#How_do_I_change_the_fonts_used_in_my_formula?|How do I change the fonts used in my formula?]]
 
 
==How do I change the size of a subformula?==
 
There are five variants of the size-changing command:
 
 
*<font color="brown">'''size 20 a '''</font>typesets a with the font size 20 pt.
 
*<font color="brown">'''size +5 a '''</font>typesets a with current font size plus 5pt.
 
*<font color="brown">'''size -5 a '''</font>typesets a with current font size minus 5pt.
 
*<font color="brown">'''size *1.5 a '''</font>typesets a with current font size times 1.5.
 
*<font color="brown">'''size /1.5 a '''</font>typesets a with current font size divided by 1.5.
 
 
You can change the font size of an entire subformula if you group
 
it with<font color="brown">''' { } '''</font>or other brackets. Example:
 
 
*Enter<font color="brown">''' a b size *2 {c d} e '''</font>to typeset ab<FONT SIZE=6>cd</FONT>e.
 
 
When several font size changes are applied, the innermost takes
 
precedence as shown in this example:
 
 
*Enter<font color="brown">''' size *1.5 {a size 12 b size *1.5 c d} '''</font>to get <FONT SIZE=5>a<FONT SIZE=3>b</FONT><FONT SIZE=6>c</FONT>d</FONT>.
 
 
 
To change the base font size used in Math see [[FAQ:Formula#How_do_I_change_the_fonts_used_in_my_formula?|How do I change the fonts used in my formula?]]
 
 
==How do I change the color of a subformula?==
 
You can use the color command as follows:
 
 
 
*<font color="brown">'''color red ABC '''</font>typesets <FONT COLOR="#ff0000">ABC</FONT>.
 
 
There are eight different colors to choose from:
 
 
*white, black, cyan, magenta, red, blue, green, yellow.
 
 
 
You can apply a color to an entire subformula if you group it with
 
{ } or other brackets. Example:
 
 
*Enter<font color="brown">''' A B color green {C D} E '''</font>to typeset AB<FONT COLOR="#00ff00">CD</FONT>E.
 
 
When several colors are applied, the innermost takes precedence as
 
shown in this example:
 
 
*Enter<font color="brown">''' color blue {A B color yellow C D} '''</font>to get
 
<FONT COLOR="#0000ff">AB<FONT COLOR="#ffff00">C</FONT>D</FONT>.
 
 
 
You cannot select the background color; a ''Math'' formula is
 
always transparent. This means that it inherits the background color
 
from the document (for example a writer document) it is contained in.
 
 
==I need a symbol that ''Math'' does not provide. What can I do?==
 
If you have a font containing the symbol you can define a userdefined symbol.
 
 
<P STYLE="font-style: normal">Follow these steps:</P>
 
 
*Open the Symbols dialog ('''Tools-Catalog...''').
 
*Click ''''Edit''''.
 
*Type a name for the new symbol in the combobox <B>'Symbol'</B>.
 
*Type a new name or select
 
an existing name in the combobox <B>'Symbol set</B>. This is the
 
symbol set you want your symbol to appear in.
 
*Select the font in the listbox <B>'Font'</B>, for example the
 
StarMath font.
 
*Select the formatting (normal, bold, bold-italic or italic)
 
in the listbox <B>'Typeface'</B>.
 
*Click on the symbol in the table.
 
*Click <b>'Add'</b> to add your symbol.
 
 
You can now use your symbol like any other symbol by selecting it
 
in the Symbols dialog or entering<font color="brown"> %thenameofthesymbol '''</font>directly.
 
 
If you don't have the symbol try looking in the StarMath font
 
first; it contains about 25 additional symbols.
 
 
Another source of symbols is the so-called AMS fonts of the
 
American Mathematical society.
 
 
You can download these in Postscript type 1 format from
 
[http://www.ams.org/tex/amsfonts.html www.ams.org/tex/amsfonts.html].
 
 
If you use Microsoft Windows you might prefer to download the unofficial BaKoMa Truetype versions from [http://www.ctan.org/tex-archive/fonts/cm/ps-type1/bakoma/ www.ctan.org/tex-archive/fonts/cm/ps-type1/bakoma/].
 
 
Refer to the documentation distributed with the fonts for
 
conditions of use.
 
 
==Can I find all the constructions of ''Math'' in the selection window?==
 
There are a few constructions without a corresponding template in
 
the selection window:
 
 
'''''Additional binary operators:'''''
 
{| border=1
 
|a oplus b
 
|[[Image:013a.gif|none]]
 
|----
 
|a ominus b
 
|[[Image:013b.gif|none]]
 
|----
 
|a otimes b
 
|[[Image:013c.gif|middle]]
 
|----
 
|a odot b
 
|[[Image:013d.gif|none]]
 
|----
 
|a odivide b
 
|[[Image:013e.gif|none]]
 
|----
 
|a wideslash b
 
|[[Image:013f.gif|none]]
 
|----
 
|a widebslash b
 
|[[Image:013g.gif|middle]]
 
|}
 
 
In addition, if<font color="brown">''' %symbol '''</Font>is a userdefined symbol you can
 
use it as a unary or binary operator as follows:
 
 
*<font color="brown">'''uoper %symbol a '''</Font>uses<font color="brown">''' %symbol '''</Font>as a unary operator.
 
*<font color="brown">'''a boper %symbol b '''</Font>uses<font color="brown">''' %symbol '''</Font>as a binary operator.
 
 
'''''Additional relations:'''''
 
{| border=1
 
|a &lt;&lt; b
 
|[[Image:013h.gif|none]]
 
|----
 
|a &gt;&gt; b
 
|[[Image:013i.gif|none]]
 
|----
 
|a def b
 
|[[Image:013j.gif|none]]
 
|----
 
|a transl b
 
|[[Image:013k.gif|none]]
 
|----
 
|a transr b
 
|[[Image:013l.gif|none]]
 
|}
 
 
'''''Additional operators:'''''
 
{| border=1
 
|liminf f
 
|lim inf ''f''
 
|----
 
|limsub f
 
|lim sub ''f''
 
|}
 
 
 
In addition, if<font color="brown">''' %symbol '''</Font>is a userdefined symbol you can
 
use it as an operator as follows:
 
 
*<font color="brown">'''oper %symbol a '''</Font>uses<font color="brown">''' %symbol '''</Font>as an operator.
 
 
You can read more about this in [[FAQ:Formula#I_want_to_use_a_binary_operator_.28like_union_or_otimes.29_as_a_large_operator_.28like_int_or_sum.29._How_can_I_do_that.3F|
 
I want to use a binary operator like '''union''' or '''otimes''' as a large operator like '''int''' or '''sum'''. How can I do that?]]
 
 
'''''Additional brackets:'''''
 
{| border=1
 
|lfloor a rfloor
 
|[[Image:013m.gif|none]]
 
|----
 
|lceil a rceil
 
|[[Image:013n.gif|none]]
 
|}
 
 
Since brackets have a grouping function they must always match and
 
be correctly nested. For scalable brackets it is essential that <font color="brown">'''left'''</Font>
 
and <font color="brown">'''right'''</Font> matches, but the brackets can be freely
 
combined. Example:
 
 
*You can enter<font color="brown">''' left ( a right [ '''</Font>to typeset (a[.
 
 
You can read more about single brackets in [[FAQ:Formula#How_can_I_get_a_left_bracket_without_a_right_bracket.3F|How can I get a left bracket without a right bracket?]]
 
 
'''''Additional symbols:'''''
 
{|
 
|width=90|
 
|
 
|----
 
|backepsilon
 
|[[Image:013o.gif|none]]
 
|}
 
 
 
'''''Additional functions:'''''
 
 
In addition to the functions that ''Math'' knows, you can
 
typeset other functions if you preceed the function name with func,
 
such as<font color="brown">''' func max'''</Font>. You can read more about this in [[FAQ:Formula#How_do_I_typeset_functions.2C_such_as_max.2C_det.2C_that_Math_does_not_know_about.3F| How do I typeset functions such as max, det, that Math does not know about?]]
 
 
'''''Additional font changing commands:'''''
 
 
*<font color="brown">'''nitalic a '''</Font>typesets<font color="brown">''' a '''</Font>in upright shape (abbreviation for not italic).
 
*<font color="brown">'''nbold a '''</Font>typesets<font color="brown">''' a '''</Font>with normal weight (abbreviation for not bold).
 
*<font color="brown">'''phantom a '''</Font>typesets a invisible.
 
 
The command color is used to change the color of a subformula, see
 
[[FAQ:Formula#How_do_I_change_the_color_of_a_subformula.3F|How do I change the color of a subformula?]] for details.
 
 
A complete reference on the ''Math'' input language is being worked on.
 
 
 
==The fractions are too large for inline formulas. How can I make them smaller?==
 
Select '''Format-Text Mode'''.
 
 
This will change the formatting of your formula such that
 
fractions and large operators (such as integral signs) are smaller.
 
Furthermore the limits of large operators are placed to the right of
 
the operator rather than above and below.
 
 
Example:
 
[[Image:014a.gif]]becomes [[Image:014b.gif]]in textmode.
 
 
This setting is reversed if you select '''Format-Text Mode'''
 
again.
 
 
 
==Why are my formulas jumping up and down on the textline?==
 
This is one of the major issues with the current version of ''Math''.
 
 
What happens is, that your formulas always are inserted vertically
 
centered with respect to the textline. If the formula is not
 
symmetrical vertically the baselines of the text and the formula will
 
not be aligned.
 
 
You can correct this by dragging the formula up or down using the
 
mouse.
 
 
==How do I change the spacing around my formula?==
 
If you have embedded your formula in a ''Writer'' document you
 
can do as follows.
 
 
If you want to change the spacing around a single formula follow
 
these steps:
 
 
*Select the formula.
 
*Select '''Format-Object'''.
 
*Select the tab page ''''Wrap''''.
 
*In the group ''''Spacing'''' on this page you can adjust the spacing around the formula.
 
 
If you want to change the spacing around ''all'' formulas follow these steps:
 
 
*Open the stylist ('''Format-Stylist''').
 
*Click on the icon for frame styles (the third icon from the left).
 
*Click on ''''Formula'''' and then right click in the stylist.
 
*Select '''Modify...''' in the pop-up menu.
 
*Select the tab page '''Wrap'''.
 
*In the group ''''Spacing'''' on this page you can adjust the spacing around the formulas.
 
 
In addition ''Math''<SPAN STYLE="font-style: normal"> inserts some spacing around your formula. Follow these steps to change this:</SPAN>
 
 
*Open your formula.
 
*Select '''Format-Spacing'''.
 
*Click ''''Category'''' and select '''Borders''' in the pop-up menu.
 
*You can now change the left and right margins of your formulas.
 
 
==How do I number my equations?==
 
Displayed equations in <SPAN STYLE="font-weight: medium">''Writer''</SPAN>
 
documents can be numbered using a predefined ''AutoText'':
 
 
Type <font color="brown">'''fn'''</Font> at the beginning of a paragraph and press F3. This will insert an ''AutoText'' containing a dummy formula and a sequence number. Now doubleclick the formula to edit it.
 
If you want to number the equations by chapter you should
 
 
*Doubleclick on one of the equation numbers.
 
*In the listbox ''''Level'''' choose the chapter level you want to number by.
 
*In the textbox ''''Separator'''' type a character to separate the chapter number from the formula number.
 
 
If you want to modify the AutoText you should use the dialogue '''Edit-AutoText'''. You will find this AutoText in the group <font color="brown">'''Standard'''</Font>.
 
 
==I have inserted a formula in a HTML document and now I cannot edit it. Why not?==
 
There is currently no standard for embedding mathematical formulas in HTML documents. For this reason OpenOffice.org saves formulas in HTML documents as bitmap pictures (in GIF format), which every browser can display.
 
 
This has the consequence that you when you close and reopen your document the formulas are no longer editable, because they cannot be reconstructed from the bitmap.
 
 
This solution has a number of other problems, for example the formulas doesn't look good when printed; in fact they look ugly.
 
 
A standard as to how MathML formulas can be embedded in HTML (or XHTML) pages is expected to appear in the future. Since OpenOffice.org can export HTML as well as MathML it would be reasonable to expect that it will support this standard when it arrives.
 
 
Another issue here, however, is that this also requires that browsers support MathML. The Mozilla project is working on this, see [http://www.mozilla.org/projects/mathml/ www.mozilla.org/projects/mathml/].
 
 
==I have written a document containing a formula. I gave it to a friend and when she opened it the user-defined symbols didn't work. What's the matter?==
 
This is a known issue with ''Math''. The user-defined symbols are part of the user settings and are ''not'' saved with the formula.
 
 
Furthermore the predefined user-defined symbols have localized names, for example<font color="brown"> '''%alpha''' </Font>might be<font color="brown"> '''%alfa''' </Font>in other languages, so that even these symbols can cause trouble.
 
There is currently no solution to the problem, but it is being worked on.
 
 
''Note''<SPAN STYLE="font-style: normal">: When you export formulas to MathML the user-defined symbols using the StarMath font are correctly exported, other user-defined symbols are currently not.</SPAN>
 
 
==Is ''Math'' compatible with the equation editor of Microsoft Word?==
 
''Math'' provides import and export filters for [http://www.mathtype.com/ MathType]
 
from Design science. (The equation editor of Microsoft Word is a limited version of MathType.)
 
 
When exporting from ''Writer'' to Microsoft Word, OpenOffice.org converts embedded ''Math'' formulas to MathType. When importing from Microsoft Word to ''Writer'', OpenOffice.org does the reverse conversion. As with any file type conversion you should of course be aware that ''Math'' and MathType have different capabilities and this will affect the results.
 
 
If you prefer to keep the formulas in the original format, you can change this behavior in the configuration:
 
 
*Select '''Tools-Options'''.
 
*Select '''Load/Save-Microsoft Office'''.
 
*Remove the check marks from<font color="brown"> '''MathType to OpenOffice.org Math''' </Font>and<font color="brown">''' OpenOffice.org Math to MathType'''</Font>.
 
  
==How can I start the equation editor as an '''individual application'''  rather than within Writer?== 
+
[[Category: Documentation/FAQ]]
You can start the equation editor by running the command 'soffice -math'. To know about all options
+
[[Category:User FAQ]]
that are accepted here, type 'soffice.exe -help'.
+

Revision as of 12:51, 17 November 2010

doc OOo


Template:Documentation/Note Search the FAQs:

This list is ordered by popularity. The most popular FAQs are at the top. But also have a look at the bottom to find any new entries.

Below the list you can find some more FAQs that have special characters in the title.

Add a new FAQ entry

Instructions

  • Do not ask questions here, but give answers.
  • If you have a question to ask, go to the User Forum.
  • Replace <FAQ_TITLE> part in the input box above by the title you would like to give the FAQ item and click Add New FAQ

I enter x^* to typeset x*, but get an error message. Why?

The problem is that * is a binary operator, that is there has to be an expression on both sides of the symbol.

You either have to enter the expression x^{{}*{}} to avoid the error message, or you could type x^"*" as well, where the quotes will interprete the asterisk not as a binary operator but as a "standalone" symbol.

If you use this construction a lot you might want to define the symbol as a userdefined symbol. See I need a symbol that Math does not provide. What can I do?. If you have defined the * as a userdefined symbol, say %ast, you can enter x^%ast.

This answer applies to a lot of other symbols as well. Some operators, such as +, are unary, that is there only has to be an expression to the right of the symbol. To typeset x+ you can enter x^{+{}}< or, of course, x^"+".

When I enter one of the symbols #, & ,|,^ or _ I get an unexpected result or an error message. How can I use these symbols?

These symbols all have a special meaning in Math:

  • The symbol # is used in stacks and matrices.
  • The symbols & and | are used for logical and and logical or.
  • The symbols ^ and _ are used for subscripts and superscripts.

To use them in your formula you can put them in quotation marks, which means that you insert them as text.

If you want to use the symbol "|" you should consider whether the construction you need is one of the the following:

  • a divides b is used to typeset a| b.
  • abs a is used to typeset |a|.

When I enter 3xy the number 3 comes out in italics. Is this a bug?

Not really. What happens here is, that Math uses multi-letter variables, which are common in some disciplines, like economics. The rule is that a variable consists of a sequence of letters, numbers and dots (the first character can not be a dot).

So when you enter 3xy this is considered a variable - and variables are typeset in italics. The only odd thing here is, that a variable can start with a number.

The correct way to enter the expression if you mean 3 times x times y is 3 x y (with spaces between the characters).


I want to use a binary operator (like union or otimes) as a large operator (like int or sum). How can I do that?

You have to define the symbol you want to use as a user-defined symbol first. See <A HREF="012.html">FAQ #012</A> for instructions; most of the symbols used by Math are part of the StarMath font.

Let's say you have defined the union symbol as the user-defined symbol %union. You can then enter for example

oper%union from i in I A_i

in order to typeset the formula

006a.gif

Note: In build 633 this doesn't work if there is a space before %union (this is a bug in the parser).

Any user-defined symbol can be used as a large operator if it is preceded with oper as in the example.

Personal tools