Reference

Introduction

This is a reference guide to the format of m-math equations.

m-math parses equations left to right. Unlike some other equation systems, m-math is sensitive to spaces. If you find too little spacing due to a combination, you can add spaces to help the matter.

m-math constructs are divided into four categories: operators, groups, symbols and functions.

General

Underscore '_'

An underscore character '_' signifies a space. m-math ignores normal space characters.

x y: 

x_y: 

Groups

Parentheses '(' and ')'

Parentheses '(' and ')' are used for grouping only, unless escaped using '\', so:

(x): 

\(x):

Grouping allows for the resolution of ambiguities such as exp(x):

Ae^xB:

A(e^x)B:

Square brackets '[' and ']'

Often used to clarify an equation involving lots of parentheses. Also used to denote the result of an integration to be evaluated between limits.

[1/x]:

Curly braces '{' and '}'

Specialist grouping and sets.

{1'(comma) 2'(comma) 3 ...}:   

Bars '|'

Modulus. The first bar must be escaped ('\|').

\|a|:

Operators

In-line Binary Operators

These include

• Addition '+'
• Subtraction '-'
• Multiplication '*', '.'
• Equality '='
• Implication '=>'
• Inequalities '#', '<', '<=', '>', '>=', '~='
• Logical AND ('&')

They are all placed 'in-line' (that is, they are simply replaced with a symbol with the appropriate grouping).

a + b:

(\(a # b) & \(b = c)) => (a # c):

Subscript Operator '`'

The backquote indicates a subscript. The subscript continues until the end of the current group.

x`i + a:

x`(i + a):

Power Operator '^'

The caret indicates a power (superscript). The superscript continues until the end of the current group.

x^ i + a:

x^ (i + a):

The power operator may sometimes require extra spacing.

Fractional Division Operator '/'

The forward stroke indicates a fractional division.

a/b:

Care should be taken with grouping this operator.

Escape Operator '\'

The escape operator quotes the following character literally (except for parentheses and vertical bars, as noted above).

a_\/_b:

Symbols

Symbols are inserted using the ' symbol operator. To insert a symbol, use '(symbol name).

For a full list of the symbols, see the symbol reference.

Functions

Functions are inserted using the ' operator. To insert a function, use 'function(...).

uprt

Displays the enclosed characters using a normal (upright) font.

'uprt(d)_d:

integral

Displays an integral sign with optional limits.

'integral() 'uprt(ln)\(x) dx:

'integral(V) 'uprt(grad)_r_dV:

'integral(0,'(infinity)) (e^\-x) dx:

diff, partial

Displays a differential or partial differential symbol.

'diff(x) u:

'partial(x) v:

root

Displays a radical (root symbol)

'root(x):

(^4)'root(x):

root is still in the experimental stages.

Copyright © David McCabe, 1998 - 2001. All rights reserved.

You will need to download and install the m-math control to display any equations on this Web site. Without this control, you will not see most of the equations. Please do not e-mail me asking why the equations do not display!