Using Equation Editor
A Brief Tutorial and Walk-Through
This tutorial will help you to:
Locate the equation editor
Use the menu structure to set up an equation
template
With the appropriate symbols, fill in the equation
template
Use your equation to create sample calculations
Using Equation Editor, you can:

Go from displaying
equations like this:

To this:
Centripetal Force:
Fcent = ((4*π²*M)/(T²))*r

And be able to show
sample equations like
this:
Let's Begin. . .
Centripetal Force:
Fcent = ((4*π²*M)/(T²))*r

Here is our equation
as displayed using
simple text for reference
Under the Insert tab,
Select the Equation menu item


A number of built-in
equation templates will
appear
Select “Insert New
Equation” near the
bottom of the drop-down
menu
Centripetal Force:
Fcent = ((4*π²*M)/(T²))*r



A text-box like object will
appear
The Equation Tools Menu bar
will become visible
Begin by choosing template
items from the drop down
menus
Centripetal Force:
Fcent = ((4*π²*M)/(T²))*r


Select the appropriate template
items from the drop down
menus
Tip: Plan ahead!

Start with the largest
structures and move to
smaller ones.
Centripetal Force:
Fcent = ((4*π²*M)/(T²))*r


Click on the individual template
items to fill them in
The template items can be filled
with numbers, text, symbols or
additional template items

In this example: (in order)

A subscript template item

“=” from keyboard

A fraction template

Upper fraction template


4, superscript template, M
Lower fraction template


Superscript template
“r” from keyboard



Symbols can be added to your
equation
Select the box where the
symbol is to be placed
Click on the appropriate symbol
from the design menu



Add text to describe the
equation.
Give each equation its own line
Number equations for easy
reference later

Equations can be cut, copied
and pasted

This also applies within the
equation template



Highlight and copy the portion of
your equation for use as a sample
calculation
Add an equal sign
Paste the copied portion at the
end of your equation



Change the values of the copied portion
of your equation to reflect your data
Make sure to type these correctly and
use proper units
Introduce your sample calculation by
referencing the equation number and
stating which data were used for the
calculation
Using Equation Editor

Concluding Remarks and Tips:



Use Equation Editor to produce textbook quality
equations for your reports
Microsoft Word with the Equation Editor
functionality is available on most University
computers
Other methods for creating and editing equations
are possible (OpenOffice, LaTex, web-based
editors, etc.) Your instructor may not be able to help
if you run into problems using these other methods.