Math and Science Notation Tool and the MathML Equation Editor

The Math and Science Notation Tool (WebEQ^TM Equation Editor) gives instructors the ability to add mathematical and scientific notation to content and assessments within Blackboard. The Math and Science Notation Tool uses symbols based on MathML, a markup language for math on the Web that is a subset of XML.

The MathML Equation Editor operates like the Math and Science Notation Tool; however, the MathML Equation Editor opens a blank text box where XML can be entered instead of using symbol buttons.

Both tools allow users to Add, Edit, Copy, or Move equations and either tool can be accessed from any Content or Assessment Area.

Important The equation editors operate best using Windows with Internet Explorer 6.0, or using a Macintosh, with Mac OSX v10.2, Netscape 6.2.3 (or later) and with the MRJPlug-in (http://homepage.mac.com/pcbeard/MRJPlugin/).

Adding and Editing Equations

1 Begin by selecting the + button to open the WebEQ Equation Editor or selecting the ∑ button to open the MathML Equation Editor.
2 Equation Name: Select an Edit Equation from the drop-down menu, or type in a new Equation Name.
3 Create an equation using the symbol toolbar or the symbols available on the keyboard.
4 Modify an existing equation by selecting it from the Edit Equation drop-down list, edit it using the tool, and select Modify to save the changes.

Note Only equations created within that specific area can be modified. For example, if the Equation Editor is opened in a Test, only those equations created in that Test will be available to edit.

5 Select Add to submit the equation and its name.

Copying and Moving Equations

1 Open the equation you would like to copy or move using the MathML Editor.

Note If you are going to be copying an equation to a different field on the same Web page, you can open it in either Equation Editor. However, if you want to copy the equation to a field on a different Web page, you must open the equation using the MathML Editor.

2 Copy the equation as it appears in the MathML Editor.
3 Open the page where you would like to add the equation and open the MathML Equation Editor for the second field where the equation will appear.
4 Paste the equation into the MathML Equation Editor and select Add.
5 Once added, the equation can then be edited using either Equation Editor.
6 Note: If you intended to move the equation, you must return to the original location and delete the equation once you have copied it into then new location.

Tip If an equation is created in a large font, or is more than one line in length, it may be cut off when it appears on the course Web page. To avoid this you can add an extra line after the final line in the equation editor.