Rendering+Equations+as+Images

Inserted image: Quadratic_Solutions.gif

Most blogs let you attach one image to your post. In some social networks, notably [|Ning.com], you can embed multiple images into your text, which permits expressive mathematical dialog. Use an online equation editor, as at [|CodeCogs] or [|Thornahawk], to generate an image of your equation. For example, the expression "\frac{-b\pm{\sqrt[]{(b^2 - 4*a*c)}}}{2a}" renders the formula for solutions to the [|quadratic equation] a*x^2+b*x+c=0. I inserted the rendered image "Quadratics_Solutions.gif" into this document. In a plain text discussion, this could be expressed as: (-b +/- sqrt(b^2-4*a*c))/(2*a) Where the caret "^" represent a power and a slash "/" represents division. Nested parentheses are necessary to specify the equation unambiguously, and would be familiar to anyone who uses a scientific calculator.

The purpose of an equation editor is to render an equation or formula as a small image, which can be incorporated within a document or online posting. The following equation editors assist entering of LaTeX markup, and generate an image of the equation for downloading. Online "sitmo" equation editor [] Online equation editor, at [|CodeCogs]. Online equation editor, at [|Thornahawk].
 * Online Equation Editors**

Microsoft Word includes the [|Microsoft Equation Editor].

Online word processor: [|Zoho Writer]: The basic edit menu includes x-superscript and x-subscript, that are invaluable to mathematicians, yet neglected by most Web 2.0 toolbars. Under the Insert menu are Special Characters including Greek letters, and an equation editor. Greek letters are heavily used in mathematics, physics and engineering.

Microsoft Excel allows formula to be entered in a cell of the spreadsheet. The purpose of the formula is calculation, not presentation. The idea of arranging formula in a spreadsheet was conceived by [|Dan Bricklin], inventor of the [|VisiCalc] personal computer software.

//Twitter hashtag: #mathmarkup//