How to Use the Equation Editor in Google Docs
Writing equations in Google Docs is easy with the built-in equation toolbar. Teachers can use it when producing worksheets, and students have all the symbols they need to show their work. You can write Greek letters like pi and mu, relations such as inequalities and the ’not equal’ sign, arrows, and symbols like divide, integral, square root, union, and sum.
Tips When Writing Equations
Shortcuts are supported. Type a backslash followed by the symbol name and a space, such as \ne to write the ’not equal’ sign or \frac to build a fraction. The Google Docs Equation Editor Shortcuts website has a great list of equation shortcuts you can use until you’ve memorized them. Use the left and right arrow keyboard keys to move through the equation; a space doesn’t always do what you think it will. For example, when you’re finished writing a fraction’s numerator, use the right arrow to jump down to the denominator. Repeat or press Enter to “exit” the fraction space and move on to the next part of the equation. Copying a single item from an equation proves difficult with a mouse. Hold Shift and choose an arrow key to highlight just that one part. Ctrl+C or Command+C is the quickest way to copy.
Google Docs Won’t Solve the Equation
Need help solving math equations? Docs can’t help you there, but some handy calculator apps can. To write a separate equation, select New equation from the toolbar. When you’re completely done with the math side of things, you can hide the toolbar by deselecting Show equation toolbar in the View menu.
