Create and edit arithmetic and polynomial operations in MathType Web

Use this guide to create and edit arithmetic and polynomial operations in MathType Web. Arrange numbers and expressions in rows and columns, adjust separator lines, and add annotations such as carries and crossed-out digits before inserting the equation into your application.

Before you begin

Requirements

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

Steps

The Matrices and elementary tab includes templates for stacked arithmetic operations, long division, polynomial division and repeating decimals. These templates provide editable layouts for the values, intermediate steps and results you want to display. You enter the calculation yourself; MathType arranges its notation.

Choose an operation template

1. Place the cursor where the operation should appear.
2. Open the Matrices and elementary tab.
3. Select the template that matches the layout you need, such as a stacked operation or a division.

The template is a starting point. You can change its symbols, add rows and adjust its lines to match your notation.

Enter the operation row by row

1. Place the cursor in the first row you want to complete.
2. Enter the number or expression for that row.
3. Move to the next existing row, or press Enter or Return to add a row where needed.
4. Continue entering the operands, intermediate steps and result.

When you type a number, MathType places each digit in a separate column to the left of the cursor. You can type the complete number without moving between individual digit positions. This lets you align digits by place value and annotate them individually.

Adjust notation and layout

Use the Contextual tab to group digits, add annotations around them, cross them out or insert additional result lines. The available controls depend on the current selection or cursor position.

Join digits

By default, digits occupy separate positions. Use Join selected digits when you want selected digits to share a single position instead.

1. Select the digits you want to group.
2. Open the Contextual tab.
3. Select Join selected digits:

Add carries and other annotations

You can place smaller numbers around a digit, including above it, beside it or at a diagonal position. Use these annotations to show carries, borrowing or other intermediate calculation steps.

For example, to show a carry above a digit:

1. Place the cursor at the digit you want to annotate.
2. Open the Contextual tab and choose the Insert carriers control for the position above the digit:  
3. Enter the carry value in the annotation slot.
4. Return to the main operation to continue editing.

Choose another annotation position to place a value beside the digit or diagonally around it.

Cross out digits

Use the crossing-out controls to mark a digit as replaced or used during a calculation. You can combine a crossed-out digit with a smaller annotation showing its replacement value.

1. Select the digit you want to cross out.
2. Open the Contextual tab and choose the required crossing-out style:
3. If needed, add an annotation with the replacement value.

Add and adjust result lines

Templates include separator lines where appropriate. You can add further result lines from the Contextual tab to separate intermediate calculations from their results.

1. Place the cursor at the part of the operation where you need a result line.
2. Open the Contextual tab and select the Insert line control:
3. Enter the result in the row below the line.

To adjust an existing line, place the cursor on it and use spaces to change its indentation. You can also delete a line or part of a line that is no longer needed.

These examples combine aligned digits, separator lines and additional notation:

Insert or update the operation

Review the complete operation, 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

• Numbers and expressions appear in the intended rows.
• Digits align in the required columns.
• Operation symbols and result lines appear in the correct positions.
• Carries, replacement values and crossing-out marks apply to the intended digits.
• The completed operation appears correctly after the equation is inserted or updated.

Options and variations

Create polynomial operations

Use a polynomial division template or adapt another operation template by entering polynomial expressions in place of numbers. Arrange the terms, intermediate steps and result in the appropriate rows, and adjust symbols and separator lines as needed.

Combine operation structures

You can concatenate multiple operation structures in the same equation to show a sequence of calculations. Complete each structure and insert the next one where you want the calculation to continue.

Common errors

Digits appear in the wrong columns

Check the cursor position before entering each number. MathType distributes its digits into separate columns automatically. If a number appears in the wrong place, undo the input, reposition the cursor and enter it again. Adjust the row's indentation with spaces where needed.

An annotation or crossing-out mark affects the wrong digit

Undo the change and check the selection or cursor position before applying the control again. If you need to annotate individual digits, keep them in separate positions rather than joining them.

A complete row disappears

Deleting all content in a row removes the row. Undo the deletion if you still need it, then edit its contents without clearing every position.

A separator line is misplaced or has been removed

If you removed a line unintentionally, undo the deletion. To reposition an existing line, place the cursor on it and adjust its indentation. To add another result line, use the relevant control in the Contextual tab.

The required Contextual controls are unavailable

Check that the cursor or selection is inside the operation and at the part you want to modify. The Contextual tab changes according to the current position, so the controls available for a digit may differ from those available for a result line.

Related articles

• Create and edit equations in MathType Web.
• Create and edit matrices in MathType Web.
• Contextual tab in MathType Web.
• Keyboard shortcuts in MathType Web.
• Formatting equations.