Math Symbols vs. Math Code

The purpose of this page is to provide guidance on when you do and don't need to use math code (either MathML or LaTeX.)

Math Without Code

For single-line math equations that use basic operators or certain simple fractions, you do not need math code. You can use keyboard symbols, symbols from the special character menu in Evolution, or Unicode symbols. Remember that Unicode symbols need to be entered in Source view.

Examples Without Math Code

4,200 + 347 = 4,547
3 × 7 = 21
7 − 3 = 4
75 ÷ 3 = 25 or 75/3=25
x = 15%
½
D₁+D₂

Math Symbols Table for Common Symbols
Math Symbol	How to Create It	Notes
+	keyboard
=	keyboard
< or >	keyboard
%	keyboard
/	keyboard	Acceptable to indicate division.
≠	≠
÷	÷
≈	≈
−	−	Do not use the endash or hyphen as a minus sign.
×	×	Do not use the letter x as a multiplication symbol.
¼	¼	You can also use 1/4.
½	½	You can also use 1/2.
⅓	&frac13;	You can also use 1/3.
x²	editor	Using the `<sup>` tag in Source view also works.
x₂	editor	Using the `<sub>` tag in Source view also works.

There are many other symbols available in Unicode, so if you don't see the one you need above you can check:

codes for common math symbols Links to an external site. - created by Elizabeth Pyatt, Senior IT Accessibility Consultant at Penn State
a current list of special characters that are read correctly by screen readers Links to an external site. - an article from eleven ways

Math With Code

You need to use MathML, LaTeX, or the Canvas Math Editor when you have math symbols that are not found on a keyboard or in Unicode, or if the content uses any type of bracket (parentheses, square brackets, curly brackets and so on).

Examples With Math Code

$LaTeX: x\left(2+7\right)=y^{}$ $x\left(2+7\right)=y^{}$
$LaTeX: 2^2=\sqrt2$ $2^2=\sqrt2$
$LaTeX: f(x)=\frac{x^2-49}{x-7}$ $f(x)=\frac{x^2-49}{x-7}$

When in doubt, please talk to an accessibility consultant. Please see the Text and Formatting module for information about other types of symbols and the rest of this module for information on generating MathML for both Canvas and Evolution environments.

Updated April 2023