How to Format Math Text Using Equation Tools in MS Word
This document provides directions to help teachers use the Equation Tools in Microsoft Word 2013 to easily
format math text in your documents including symbols, fractions, exponents, and common math notation.
Access the Equation Tools Tab
1. In an open Word document on the Insert tab in the Symbols group, click Equation.
2. A new Equation Tools tab will appear in the ribbon and a placeholder for the math text will
appear in your Word document.
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Entering a Math Equation or Expression
3. In the equation placeholder, you can type numbers, letters, and other operators such as: + - =
< > using the keyboard.
4. Basic math symbols and operators can be accessed from the Symbols group.
Note: Use the down arrow to access additional basic math symbols such as: %, ° , ℉, ℃, 𝜋, etc.
5.
Use the More down arrow to choose other lists of math symbols grouped by function (i.e.
Geometry, Arrows, Operators, etc.).
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March 2016
Entering Fractions into a Math Equation or Expression
6. Enter fractions by clicking the Fraction button from the Structures group.
7. When you click on the Fraction button, a list of fraction formats appears.
Note: The first formatting option is most commonly used.
8. Click on the box to enter a number or variable into the numerator or denominator.
Examples:
9. For mixed numbers, use the left arrow key to move the cursor to the left-center of the fraction,
but keep the cursor within the place holder, and input a whole number.
10. Use your right arrow key to move the cursor and combine fractions with other operators,
numbers, symbols, etc. to complete the math text in the placeholder. In doing so, formatting
will remain the same throughout.
11. Click outside the placeholder to remove it.
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March 2016
Using Bar Notation for Repeating Decimals
12. Enter math text in the Equation Tools placeholder up to the value requiring the bar notation.
13. Click the Accent button in the Structures Group. Select the bar notation icon.
14. A box with the bar notation will appear in
your placeholder.
15. Click the box and input the repeating
value(s).
Using Subscript and Superscript
16. Subscript and Superscript can be entered by clicking the Script button in the Structures Group
and selecting the desired format.
17. Click the box to input numbers or variables for the base, exponent, or subscript.
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Using Radicals
18. Radicals can be entered by clicking the Radical button in the Structures Group and selecting
the desired format.
Note: Commonly used square root and cube root can be chosen from one of the format
selections.
19. Click the box to input numbers or variables for the index and/or radicand.
Other Less Commonly Used Math Notation
20. Additional math notation can be found within the buttons in the Structures group including
those used for: Integrals, Set Notation, Matrices, Logarithms, Statistics, Trigonometry, and
Calculus.
21. Click each button to explore the available notation for each.
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Saving a Frequently Used Equation or Math Structure
22. In a Word document, select the frequently used equation.
23. In the Equation Tools tab, click the Equation button in the Tools group.
24. Click Save Selection to Equation Gallery.
25. In the Create New Building Block dialog box,
type a name and description (optional) for the
equation.
26. In the Gallery list, select Equations.
27. Click OK.
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Inserting a Frequently Used Equation
28. On the Insert Tab, click the down arrow on the Equation button in the Symbols group.
29. Scroll down the list of frequently used equations, and click the desired equation to select it.
Note: Users can choose from built-in equations or their own equations which will appear in the
General section.
30.
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March 2016