MathType – Download
Editor’s Note: I used LibreOffice to test MathType.
The first thing you’ll notice when you open MathType is that the program looks ancient. The software was first released in 1987, and its minimalist aesthetic reminds me of pre-XP operating systems.
While the design has been updated a little since those early days, it still looks more or less the way it did all the way back in 1987. The primitive EGA look has been replaced, but the tools and functionality are unchanged.
This isn’t really all that surprising, though. After all, Microsoft Word looks much the same now as it did 25 years ago. Since MathType is an accessory to your word processor, there’s no need to reinvent the wheel.
How MathType Works
At first glance, MathType is a bit overwhelming, especially if complex equations make your head hurt. There are dozens of buttons, many of which reveal hundreds of different inserts.
In reality, however, it’s actually very straightforward. The buttons simply provide access to all the scripts and characters you need to type complex mathematical equations and import them into HTML websites, AutoCad, PDF files, Word documents and more.
To make it easy for new users to understand the program, MathType includes a tutorial that walks you through the step-by-step process of creating and importing equations and other mathematical formulas.
MathType works with over 800 applications and websites, so providing a step-by-step explanation of how to insert formulas would be pointless. For example, the method LibreOffice uses to insert formulas differs from the method Microsoft Word uses.
This means that you should take a few minutes to understand the best way to utilize the software. While copy and pasting may work for some people, there is almost always a better tool available.
Writing Formulas
Equations are constructed through a combination of mouse and keyboard. Numbers, variables and some mathematical symbols can be typed easily. For example, the program is sophisticated enough to recognize “sin” and “tan” as functions rather than variables, and it adjusts the visual display of those letters when you type. In other words, typing 5 = sinx – 5 looks different than typing 5 = sx + 22x
MathType has all the scripts you need to write algebraic equations, geometry formulas, common trigonometry figures, statistical calculus. You can use it to type out derivatives, matrices and a whole lot of other mathematical concepts that I don’t understand.
While many of the symbols have to be entered manually, some symbols can be inserted by keyboard shortcuts. This can be save a tremendous amount of time.
For example, the Greek letter pi is essential for calculating torque, RPM, diameter, etc. Instead of having to select on the Greek alphabet button and the selecting on the π icon, simply type ‘Ctrl+G’ and then type ‘P.’
Another feature of MathType is the ability to freehand equations and letting the software convert that into a formula. I tried it, and I didn’t find that it worked very well. I suspect the Math Input Panel is designed to work with a more precise stylus pen over a clumsy mouse interface.
MathType definitely has a learning curve. The biggest issue I have with it is that its buttons are fairly small, and its icons even smaller. While you can zoom into the equation box to get a better look at what is being typed, there is no way to enlarge the icons on top. Since many of them look similar, it can take some time to find what you’re looking for.
I feel like I ought to mention one more thing: MathType is simply a tool for typing complex formulas and inserting them into websites or other documents. MathType does not help you find solutions to solving these formulas.
Pricing
Although MathType comes with a 30-day free trial, it is not freeware. You can license it for $49.95 a year per user, and the rate for institutions of higher learning is $0.60 to $1.00/student, with a minimum of 40 students required for the special rate.
Generally speaking, most people using this software will be educators, students, scientists or professionals. The average person will have little use for this software. But if you find yourself frequently trying to type complex equations, MathType can save you a world of trouble.
Pros:
- In-depth tutorial
- Huge library of symbols
- Ability to draw equations
Cons:
- Fairly steep learning curve
- Some icons are hard to see
