HOW TO - Insert Mathematical Equations 

(Mr Lee Created this for the PBwiki Team)

Steps for Creating and Equation:

1.  While editing your page, click the  'Insert Plugin'  button at the top right of the editing toolbar

2.  Hover over 'PBwiki Magic'  and select 'Equation'.  This will allow you to write equations using LaTeX codes. 

This format of typesetting is very popular in science and academic settings.  It takes a few minutes to learn but if you are willing to invest the time, you can make professional looking equations...

The LaTex code for the quadratic formula is "x=\frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}"  It doesn't look like much in LaTeX code but when the plugin works its magic, you get nicely formated equations.

Doesn't that just bring a tear to your eye?!  A thing of pure beauty.

Additional Resources:

Here are some guidelines to creating complex equations using the LaTeX (equation) plugin from the

Another great primer on creating mathematical equations in LaTeX is Getting Started with LaTeX.   You might especially be interested in Fractions and Roots and the list of Mathematical Symbols.

Google gadgets has an equation editor that will generate the LaTeX code needed.  Students can generate the code then paste it where needed.