Mathematical Formulas

A tool called Math lets you insert and build formulas in a document.

Note

OpenOffice.org supports imports and exports for MathML files, the standardized W3 XML file format for equation exchange.

The GPL software dmaths can be used as an addon to OpenOffice.org or StarOffice 6.0. It helps you more easily write formulas and vectors. See

http://www.dmaths.com.

For information on adjusting inserted formulas within the flow of a text document, such as anchoring, moving, and wrapping text around, see Tips for Adjusting Inserted Objects and Fixing Broken Links on page 304.

Inserting and Building Formulas

When you insert a formula, you have to build it using Math's formula notation language. Math makes entering the formula notation easier with formula tools that insert notation automatically. Use the formula tools to help you learn the formula language.

1. Click where you want to insert the formula.

2. In the toolbar, click and hold down the Insert Objects tool, and click the Insert Formula tool.

   

3. Enter the formula in the Commands window (Figure 8-26). To use the formula tools, choose View > Selection, or right-click in the Commands window. As you build the formula, it is displayed inside the document.

   Figure 8-26. Inserting a formula

   

4. When you're finished, press the Esc key to close the Commands window.

Changing the Formula Format

You can change the font, spacing, and alignment of formulas you create.

Changing Font Face

You can change the font face for individual elements of a formula.

1. With the formula Commands window active, select Format > Fonts.

2. In the Font Types window, click the Modify button to select a different font for a specific element of the formula.

3. Click OK.

As you assign a different font to a formula element, that font becomes available for selection in the field next to the element.

Changing Font Size

You can change overall font size for the entire formula, and you can adjust the relative font sizes of parts of the formula.

1. With the formula Commands window active, select Format > Font Size.

2. In the Font Sizes window, changing the Base size changes the font for the entire formula.

3. Adjust the relative percentage sizes of parts of the formula.

4. Click OK.

Changing Spacing Between Formula Elements

1. With the formula Commands window active, select Format > Spacing.

2. In the Spacing window, click the Category button and choose the item you want to adjust.

3. As you make adjustments in the left side of the window, a preview area displays the effects of your changes.

4. Click OK.

To return to the spacing defaults, click the Default button in the Spacing window.

Changing Alignment of Formula Elements

You can set the elements in a formula to be aligned left, center, or right relative to the width of the formula box in your document.

1. With the formula Commands window active, select Format > Alignment.

2. Select Left, Centered, or Right, and click OK.

Inserting Special Characters in Formulas

You can insert special characters into your formula.

1. In the Commands window, click in the formula where you want to insert a special character.

2. Choose Tools > Symbols > Catalog, or click the Symbols tool on the toolbar.

3. In the Symbols window, select the symbol you want, and click Insert.

4. Click Close.

Creating and Importing Formula Files

You can create standalone formula files in Math, then import them into a Writer document.

Creating a Formula File

1. Choose File > New > Formula. The Math environment is displayed.

2. Create a formula in the Commands window.

3. Choose File > Save As. In the Save As window, the File type should say Math 5.0.

4. Name the file, set the path to the folder you want, and click Save.

Importing a Formula File Into Writer

1. Insert a formula in Writer. See Inserting and Building Formulas on page 300.

2. With the Commands window active, choose Tools > Import Formula.

3. Select the formula file, and click Insert.