9 Adding equations
Equations are an essential part of technical writing, especially in scientific and mathematical texts. This guide provides instructions for adding equations to your manuscript, ensuring clarity, consistency, and proper formatting for both Word and Google Docs users. Following these guidelines will help maintain a professional appearance and facilitate the typesetting process.
Adding equations in Word
Inserting equations into a Word document is straightforward. Navigate to the “Insert” tab, then click on “Equation” in the Symbols group to access a variety of built-in equations or create your own using the Equation Editor.
For simple in-line equations, such as a quadratic equation, you can type it directly within the text for seamless integration. For example, you might write:
For special mathematical letters and symbols, refer to the Mathematical Alphanumeric Symbols page on Wikipedia, which provides a comprehensive list of characters that can be used for in-line equations.
For more complex formulas, it is preferable to insert them as block equations for better readability and emphasis. To do this, place the equation on a new line by pressing “Enter” before and after inserting the equation. This distinction helps maintain the flow of the document while clearly presenting mathematical expressions.