About Math Formula Input
Reading Forest allows you to enter math formulas using LaTeX notation in your notes. This is useful for accurately recording formulas and theorems when reading math textbooks or academic papers. Formulas are beautifully rendered by MathJax.
Basic Syntax
Enter formulas as text directly in the note field. Wrap them with dollar signs $ to be recognized as math.
Inline Math (within text)
To embed a formula within a sentence, wrap it with $.
The Pythagorean theorem states $a^2 + b^2 = c^2$.This displays as: "The Pythagorean theorem states a2 + b2 = c2." with the formula embedded in the text.
Display Math (on its own line)
To display a formula on a separate line in a larger format, wrap it with $$.
$$E = mc^2$$Use inline math for short expressions (variable names, simple equations) and display math for important formulas or longer expressions.
Common Notation
| Syntax | Result | Description |
|---|---|---|
$x^2$ |
x2 | Superscript (power) |
$x_{n}$ |
xn | Subscript (index) |
$\frac{a}{b}$ |
a/b | Fraction |
$\sqrt{x}$ |
√x | Square root |
$\sum_{i=1}^{n} i$ |
∑i=1n i | Summation |
$\int_a^b f(x)\,dx$ |
∫ab f(x) dx | Integral |
$\alpha, \beta, \gamma$ |
α, β, γ | Greek letters |
$\leq, \geq, \neq$ |
≤, ≥, ≠ | Comparison operators |
Multi-line Formulas
Use LaTeX math environments to display multiple equations aligned together.
align* environment (align at equals sign)
$$\begin{align*}
(a + b)^2 &= a^2 + 2ab + b^2 \\
(a - b)^2 &= a^2 - 2ab + b^2
\end{align*}$$Use & to mark alignment points and \\ for line breaks.
cases environment (piecewise)
$$|x| = \begin{cases}
x & (x \geq 0) \\
-x & (x < 0)
\end{cases}$$pmatrix environment (matrix)
$$A = \begin{pmatrix}
1 & 2 \\
3 & 4
\end{pmatrix}$$align*, aligned, gather*, equation*, eqnarray*, cases, pmatrix, bmatrix, and vmatrix are available.
Chemical Formulas
You can also express chemical formulas using LaTeX notation.
| Syntax | Result |
|---|---|
$H_2O$ |
H2O |
$CO_2$ |
CO2 |
$Na^+$ |
Na+ |
$SO_4^{2-}$ |
SO42− |
$2H_2 + O_2 \rightarrow 2H_2O$ |
2H2 + O2 → 2H2O |
How to Enter Formulas
-
Start editing a note
Open a book and type in the note field of a record -
Enter the formula in LaTeX notation
Wrap your formula with$...$or$$...$$ -
Save and check the display
After saving, the formula is automatically rendered
Math formula display may not be available depending on your plan.
FAQ
Q: The formula isn't rendered and I see $...$ as plain text
Please check that your plan supports math formula display. Also, the formula may not be recognized if there are no spaces around the $ delimiters.
Q: Entering complex formulas is difficult
Until you're familiar with LaTeX notation, refer to the "Math Formula Examples" page linked below. Examples are organized by learning level.
Q: Is there a list of supported commands?
All LaTeX commands supported by MathJax are available. See the related pages below for details.