Working with mathematical structures

Use this guide when you need to remove a mathematical structure without deleting its contents, create a matrix, or arrange elementary arithmetic and polynomial operations in rows and columns. 

Before you begin

• Requirements: Access to the MathType editor.
• Applies to: MathType Web.

Delete a structure without deleting its contents

MathType uses smart deleting to let you remove a symbol or structure while preserving some or all of its contents.

Steps

1. Place the insertion point immediately after the symbol, between the symbol and its contents.

1. Press Backspace on Windows or Delete on macOS once. MathType highlights the symbol that will be removed.

1. Press the key again to remove the selected symbol.

Verify it worked

• The symbol or structure has been removed.
• The expression previously contained by the structure remains in the equation.

Options and variations

• To cancel before confirming the deletion: Move the insertion point or undo the selection before pressing the deletion key a second time.
• To delete the entire structure and its contents: Select the complete structure before deleting it.

Delete matching fences

The result of deleting a pair of fences depends on whether you delete the opening or closing fence.

Delete the opening fence

1. Place the insertion point immediately after the opening fence.
2. Press Backspace on Windows or Delete on macOS once. MathType highlights both fences but not their contents.

1. Press the key again to remove both fences.

Verify it worked

• Both fences have been removed.
• The expression between the fences remains in the equation.

Delete the closing fence

1. Place the insertion point immediately after the closing fence.
2. Press Backspace on Windows or Delete on macOS once. MathType highlights the fences and the expression between them.

1. Press the key again to remove the selected expression.

Verify it worked

• The two fences and the expression between them have been removed.

Options and variations

• To preserve the enclosed expression: Delete the opening fence.
• To remove the enclosed expression: Delete the closing fence.
• For other fence pairs: Smart deleting also applies to fences inserted as pairs from the Decorations tab.

Create a matrix

The Matrices and elementary tab contains templates for common matrix sizes, with and without fences. It also contains templates that let you specify a custom number of rows and columns.

Steps

1. Open the Matrices and elementary tab.
2. Select a matrix template. Use a preconfigured template or select one of the four custom matrix templates.

1. Specify the number of rows and columns if you selected a custom template.
2. Enter the matrix values, moving between cells with the arrow keys or by selecting a cell.

Verify it worked

• The matrix contains the required number of rows and columns.
• The matrix uses the selected fences, or no fences if you selected an unfenced template.
• Each value appears in the intended cell.

Options and variations

• To create a matrix up to 6 × 6: Move the pointer across the matrix grid and select the required size.
• To specify the size using controls: Use the arrow controls in the Rows and Columns fields, and then press Enter or Return.
• To enter the dimensions directly: Enter the required values in the Rows and Columns fields, and then press Enter or Return.
• To modify the matrix: Place the insertion point inside it and use the Contextual tab to add or remove rows and columns, insert partition lines, adjust spacing, or change alignment.

Create an elementary or polynomial operation

MathType provides two-dimensional layouts for addition, subtraction, multiplication, long division, and repeating decimals. These layouts can also be adapted for polynomial operations.

Elementary arithmetic layouts organize numbers into rows and align their digits in columns. They can also contain carries, separator lines, indentation, and crossed-out values.

You can also use the structures for polynomial operations:

Steps

1. Prepare the complete operation before entering it in MathType. This makes it easier to enter the rows in the correct order.
2. Open the Matrices and elementary tab.
3. Select the required operation template. MathType inserts the template into the editing area.

1. Enter the first row. MathType automatically distributes the digits into columns to the left of the insertion point.
2. Enter the remaining rows, working from top to bottom.
3. Review the separator lines, spacing, and symbols and modify them where necessary.

Verify it worked

• Digits are aligned correctly in columns.
• Each number or expression appears in the intended row.
• Operation symbols, separator lines, carries, and indentation appear in the required positions.

Options and variations

• To add another row: Press Enter or Return.
• To increase indentation: Press Space.
• To move through the structure: Use the arrow keys. The insertion point can move only to positions containing a digit, space, symbol, separator line, or other content.
• To remove a row: Delete every populated position in that row.
• To edit a separator line: Place the insertion point on the line. You can indent it with spaces or delete it.
• To adapt an operation template: Delete or replace any of its elements. The template is a starting point and does not restrict the final structure.
• To apply additional formatting: Place the insertion point inside the operation and use the Contextual tab.

Common errors

• The contents of a structure are deleted with its symbol: The complete structure was selected. Undo the deletion, place the insertion point between the symbol and its contents, and press the deletion key twice.
• Deleting fences removes more content than expected: Deleting the closing fence selects the fences and their contents. Delete the opening fence when you want to preserve the enclosed expression.
• The matrix has the wrong dimensions: Undo the insertion and select the correct size from the grid or enter the required row and column values.
• The insertion point skips an empty position: Elementary structures allow navigation only through positions containing content. Add a space if you need an editable position.
• A complete row disappears: Removing every populated position deletes the row. Undo the deletion and preserve at least one position if the row is still required.
• Digits appear in the wrong columns: Enter each row as a complete number and let MathType distribute its digits automatically.

Related

• Reference: Tables and matrices
• Reference: Elementary math controls
• Reference: Toolbar and icons