Equation Editing in MS Word

Last Modified: January 7th, 2009

An MS Word version of this document...

To create an Equation object:

· Alt-o-m – Hold down the Alt key and hit "o" for "object" and "m" to get you into the "m's" on the dialog box similar to the one below. Notice that you're in the "m's":

· Down-arrow or scroll down with the scrollbar and select "Microsoft Equation 3.0":

· Click on OK and you will have an Equation-Editor window open. You will also see a new menu bar in the foreground. This menu contains all the math symbols you will need to create mathematical expression in Word.

For more detailed explanation of how to use this menu bar, see the Equations in Word Slide Show. This slide show also walks you through your first writing assignment.

· To get out of the Equation window, the Esc key works pretty well most of the time. Occasionally, in the middle of a long session, you will have to "Save and Exit" from the File menu.

Shortcut keys that can save a lot of mouse time in Equation include the following:

· Ctrl-f - creates a Fraction.

· Ctrl-h - creates an exponent, which is Higher than the rest.

· Ctrl-r - creates a square Root symbol.

· Ctrl-l - creates a subscript (not much use for that in MAT 121, probably). Subscripts are Lower than the rest.

· Tab - will take you out of whatever structure your cursor is inside, for instance, to go from numerator to denominator in a fraction, or to get out of the exponent, or to exit a fraction.

· With these keystrokes (and the symbol), you can build something like fairly easily.