®
math symbols
Students should use the following key strokes to enter a mathematical statement in written work
they submit online. These keystrokes are aimed to improve the ease of use for both students typing
answers and teachers reading answers. Additionally, our programmers are working toward
developing an application that will allow students to enter these mathematical statements
automatically.
Students should also pay close attention to their use of grouping symbols, such as parentheses ( )
and brackets [ ] in expressions. Grouping symbols can be used to isolate expressions, and indicate
multiplication of expressions. For example, the expression 2/(x+5) has a different meaning than 2/x
+ 5. The first expression would be written as:
2
and the second would be written as x2 +5.
(x+5)
name
mathematical
statement
keystrokes
multiplication
3x4
6 _: 2
a2
a1
0<3
3*4
less than or equal to
greater than or equal to
is not equal to
2=3
2 !=3
1
5
1/5
fraction
square root
cube root
>
3>0
0<=3
3>=0
x
or
x
1
3
x
1
2
>
subscript
6/2
a 2
a_2
sqrt(x) or x (½)
>
division
exponent / superscript
x (1/3)