Create and edit matrices in MathType Web

Use this guide to create and edit matrices in MathType Web. Choose their dimensions and enclosing delimiters, enter values or mathematical expressions, and adjust the layout before inserting the equation into your application.

Before you begin

Requirements

• Access to MathType Web with the Matrices and elementary tab available.

Steps

Matrix templates provide a layout of editable cells arranged in rows and columns. They can include enclosing delimiters, such as parentheses or brackets, or have no delimiters. Each cell can contain a number, a letter or a mathematical expression.

Choose a matrix template

1. Place the cursor where the matrix should appear.
2. Open the Matrices and elementary tab.
3. In the first group, choose a custom matrix template with the required enclosing delimiters, or without delimiters. Alternatively, choose a predefined single-row or single-column matrix from the second group.

The remaining groups contain templates for piecewise functions and multiline expressions, dot symbols, and elementary operations.

Set custom dimensions

If you selected a custom matrix template, set its number of rows and columns. Skip this step for a predefined matrix.

1. In the matrix size controls, enter the required number of Rows and Columns.
2. Press Enter or Return to insert the matrix.

These examples show empty matrices with different dimensions and enclosing delimiters:

Enter the matrix contents

1. Select the first cell you want to complete.
2. Enter its value or expression.
3. Move to another cell using the arrow keys or by selecting it.
4. Continue until the required cells are complete.

You can insert fractions, roots and other structures inside a cell in the same way as elsewhere in the equation. For instructions, see Create and edit equations in MathType Web.

Modify the matrix layout

Use the Contextual tab to change the matrix structure or layout after inserting it.

1. Place the cursor inside the matrix, in the row or column you want to modify.
2. Open the Contextual tab.
3. Select the control for the change you want to make.
4. Review the result and repeat for other rows or columns where needed.

Available changes include:

• Adding or removing rows and columns.
• Changing row or column alignment.
• Inserting partition lines or a frame around the matrix.
• Adjusting row, column and frame spacing.

Insert or update the matrix

Review the matrix, then select the confirmation button to insert the equation or apply your changes. Depending on the integration, the button may be labelled Insert, Update, Accept or OK.

Verify it worked

• The matrix has the required number of rows and columns.
• Each value or expression appears in the intended cell.
• The matrix uses the intended enclosing delimiters, or no delimiters.
• Alignment, lines and spacing are applied to the intended rows or columns.
• The matrix appears correctly after the equation is inserted or updated.

Options and variations

Choose dimensions with the grid

For a custom matrix up to 6 × 6, move the pointer over the matrix size grid until the required dimensions are highlighted, then select them.

Use the dimension controls

Instead of typing the dimensions, use the arrow controls in the Rows and Columns fields. Press Enter or Return when the required size is selected.

Modify an existing matrix

Open the equation containing the matrix. Select a cell to edit its contents, or place the cursor inside the matrix and use the Contextual tab to adjust its structure or layout.

Follow a guided example

For practice using a matrix to arrange and align mathematical content, see Align equations with the MathType Web Contextual tab.

Common errors

The matrix has the wrong dimensions

If the matrix is still empty, undo its insertion and choose the correct dimensions. If you have already entered content, use the Contextual tab to add or remove rows and columns, checking any content affected by the change.

Content appears in the wrong cell

The cursor was in a different cell when you entered the content. Undo the input or move it to the correct cell, then check the cursor position before continuing.

The matrix controls are unavailable

Place the cursor inside a matrix cell before opening the Contextual tab. Its controls depend on the structure at the current cursor position.

An alignment or spacing change affects only one column

Some controls apply only to the column containing the cursor. Move to each column that needs the same setting and apply the change there. See Contextual tab in MathType Web for the scope of each control.

Removing a row or column deletes required content

Undo the change and move or copy the content you want to keep before removing that row or column.

Related articles

• Create and edit equations in MathType Web.
• Create and edit arithmetic and polynomial operations in MathType Web.
• Contextual tab in MathType Web.
• Navigate the MathType Web editor using a keyboard.
• MathType Web introductory tutorials.