February 5, 2005

ASK any examiner and you will learn that setting the question paper and then assessing answer sheets is a formidable task.

However, composing an exam paper is relatively easier now, thanks to a variety of software. Some of these programmes are user-friendly, while others will give you a run for your money. In fact, Math teachers have to go through a lot of trouble, for there aren’t many programmes in the market that are simple and easy to use. Well, no need to fret, for the answer to the Math teacher blues lies in Microsoft Word.

MS-Word has a very useful and powerful feature called “Microsoft Equation 3.0” for mathematical typing. This includes the various facets of technical mathematical typing.

While working in Word, this feature can be found by pointing the cursor to where he/she wants an equation to be placed (in-line or as a separate paragraph), by performing the following simple steps:

1. Click “Insert” on the “Menu Bar.”

2. Go to “Object” and click on it. An “Object” window will appear.

3. Locate “Microsoft Equation 3.0” and double-click. A horizontal, floating tool bar “Equation,” consisting of two rows with 10 buttons will appear.

A box with a blinking cursor will also appear, exactly at the spot where you pointed the cursor in the beginning. The blinking cursor indicates the location of your mathematical text. If, in case, you do not find “Equation” in “Object,” you need to either reinstall MS-Office, (complete version) or only that particular feature.

Consider the following examples:

1. The number can be written in the following way. (a) Go to the “Microsoft Equation 3.0” bar; (b) Press 3 in side the box that appears; (c) Click the second button (from left) on the lower bar. You will find nine buttons on it; (d) Click the first button (or any other appropriate ones); (e) Click once in the space for “numerator” and write 2 there; (f) Click once in the space for “denominator” space and write 5 there.

2. This equation can be written as follows: (a) Go to “Microsoft Equation 3.0” bar; (b) Press “x” first and then “=”; (c) Click the second button (from left) on the lower bar; (d) Click the first button or any other appropriate ones; (e) Click once in the numerator space and press “—” first and then “b”; (f) Click the fourth button on the upper bar. You will find 12 buttons there; (g) Click “ ± ”; (h) Click the second button again (from left) on the lower bar. You will again find nine buttons; (i) Click “ ”. You will find a blinking cursor inside the radical sign; (j) Press “b”; (k) Click the third button on the lower bar. You will find 15 buttons. Click the first button. You will find a blinking cursor where the square should be put; (l) Write “- 4ac” there; (m) Click once in the space for denominator and write “2a” there.

The entire procedure is simple and will take you a little over 30 seconds to complete. Of course, it always helps if you hone your typing skills by practising frequently.

You can also place the “Equation Editor” in your toolbar. To do so, right-click on any toolbar and select Customize. Click the Commands tab in the Customize dialog box and choose Insert on the Categories list. Find the Equation Editor icon (similar to ) and then drag it on to the toolbar.