About the Equation Editor
The Graphical Equation Editor is a JavaScript-based application within the HTML Editor tool that enables users to add graphical, chemistry, MathML, and LaTeX equations to their content. The editor provides the necessary elements to construct equations quickly and easily. Each button in the editor toolbar opens a palette of related mathematical symbols. You can insert equations by typing them into the HTML Editor. When equations are inserted into the HTML Editor, you can see the equations inline while editing your work.
Watch how to make use of the Equation Editor
Before using the editor:
- Ensure that you have installed the latest version of your internet browser and that you enable Javascript
- Disable any software or browser settings that block pop-up windows
MathML equation
MathML is a standard adopted by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). It uses XML to describe mathematical notation by capturing both its structure and content. This enables MathML to support visual display and assistive technology access.
As a standard, Brightspace Learning Environment stores and displays all equations in the MathML format, regardless of the format you use to enter equations. Brightspace Learning Environment uses the MathJax JavaScript engine to display MathML equations.
Go to http://www.mathjax.org to learn more about MathJax features.
Note: The MathML encoder requires users to know how to use XML.
LaTeX equation
LaTeX is a typesetting system based on TeX. It provides a text syntax for complex mathematical formulae. Brightspace Learning Environment stores equations entered in LaTeX format as MathML to ensure consistency and accessibility.
Chemistry equation
The Chemistry equation option offers specialized chemistry symbols for inorganic chemistry formulas.
Graphical equation
The Graphical equation option offers 10 tabs of symbols, arrows, Greek letters and numbers, matrices, scripts and layouts, decorations, big operators, calculus, and context for creating math equations.
Tabs in the Graphical Equation Editor
| Icon | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
 | General tab | Add a template for building equations. Add and edit text in the equation using the Cut, Copy, Paste, Undo, Color, and other text editing function |
 | Symbols tab | Add mathematical symbols to equations |
 | Arrows tab | Update or add arrows to equations |
 | Greek and letters tab | Update or add uppercase and lowercase Greek characters to equations |
 | Matrices tab | Update or add matrices to equations |
 | Scripts and layout tab | Add scripts or layouts to build equations |
 | Decorations tab | Add fences such as brackets and vertical bars around text fields |
 | Big operators tab | Update or add big operators to equations |
 | Calculus tab | Add a template for building Calculus equations |