Build a trigonometric expression with MathType Web

This tutorial guides you through an expression containing trigonometric functions, a Greek letter, a fraction, a square root, and a superscript.

By the end, you will have the completed trigonometric expression shown below.

See it in action

Before you begin

Prerequisites

• You should know how to open MathType Web and insert an equation. If you're new to the editor, start with Create your first equation with MathType Web.

Requirements

• Access to MathType Web with the Greek letters and General tabs available. The toolbar may look different depending on the integration.

Step 1 — Enter the first function and Greek letter

This step shows how MathType formats a recognized function name and how to insert a character from a toolbar tab.

1. Open MathType and type tan.
2. Open the Greek letters tab and click θ.
3. Check that tan appears upright, followed by the Greek letter theta.

Checkpoint: You should see tan θ in the editor.

Step 2 — Add the relation, symbol, and fraction

Symbols and templates give the remaining expression its mathematical structure.

1. Type = after tan θ.
2. Open the General tab and insert ±.
3. Insert a fraction template after the plus-minus symbol.

Checkpoint: You should see an empty fraction after tan θ = ±.

Step 3 — Complete the numerator

The numerator combines two nested templates: a square root containing a superscript.

1. Click the numerator slot and insert a square root template.
2. Inside the square root, type 1 - cos.
3. Insert a superscript template and type 2 in its upper slot.
4. Press the right arrow key to leave the superscript while remaining inside the square root.
5. Insert θ from the Greek letters tab.

Checkpoint: You should see the completed square root in the numerator, with θ after the superscript.

Step 4 — Complete the denominator and insert the expression

Moving into the denominator finishes the fraction without adding content outside it.

1. Press the down arrow key to move into the denominator, or click its empty slot.
2. Type cos and insert θ.
3. Compare your expression with the example, then click Accept, OK, or the equivalent button to insert it.

Checkpoint: You should see the completed expression in your application, with cos θ in the denominator.

You're done

You now have a trigonometric expression built with MathType symbols and nested templates. Next, you can:

• Create a piecewise function to practice working with a multiline template.
• Explore the symbols and templates in the MathType toolbar.
• Learn how MathType recognizes function names.

Troubleshooting

If θ appears outside the square root

Click inside the square root immediately after the superscript, then insert θ again.

If cos θ appears beside the fraction

Click the denominator slot before typing it.

If you cannot find a symbol or template

Check the relevant toolbar tab and its expanders, which show additional items.