Contextual tab examples

Learn how to use the Contextual tab to edit mathematical structures such as systems of equations, matrices, intervals, fences, and elementary math layouts.

Before you begin:

• Open MathType.
• Create or select a mathematical structure.
• Place the cursor inside the structure you want to edit.

The Contextual tab displays tools that are specific to the selected structure. If you're unfamiliar with how it works, see Contextual tab.

Align a system of equations

The Relation align command aligns equations using their first relation symbol (=, ≤, ≠, etc.).

1. Type each equation on a separate line.
2. Place the cursor anywhere inside the equations.
3. Open the Contextual tab.
4. Click Relation align.

The equations are aligned automatically.

Align a matrix

Matrices provide the most precise way to align systems of equations.

Start with a matrix similar to this:

Select a column, then choose one of the available alignment options from the Contextual tab.

Repeat the process for the remaining columns.

Final result:

Change column spacing

After aligning a matrix, you may want to reduce the spacing between columns.

Select a column and adjust the spacing control in the Contextual tab.

The spacing value applies to the space immediately to the right of the selected column.

Edit piecewise functions

The Contextual tab can be used to extend piecewise functions by adding additional rows.

Additional controls become available whenever the cursor is inside the piecewise template.

Change interval notation

When editing an interval, the Contextual tab lets you switch between open and closed interval notation without recreating the expression.

• Open interval
• Closed interval
• Left-open interval
• Right-open interval

Create mixed fences

Mixed fences use different opening and closing delimiters.

For example:

• ( ]
• [ )
• | )

The Contextual tab lets you replace either delimiter while preserving the mathematical structure.

Control stretchy operators

Some operators automatically stretch to match the height of the surrounding expression.

Use the Contextual tab to enable or disable this behaviour for the selected operator.

Edit elementary math layouts

Additional commands become available when editing elementary mathematics layouts such as:

• Long division
• Polynomial division
• Arithmetic layouts

These commands let you modify the structure without rebuilding it.

Fine-tune the position of symbols

The nudging controls allow small horizontal and vertical adjustments to individual symbols.

Use these controls when fine-tuning the appearance of complex formulas.

Related resources

• Contextual tab
• Toolbar and keyboard shortcuts
• Using MathType