Using Math With Writer Documents

Numbering equations in Writer

We can write numbered equations in Writer. Equation numbering is one of the Writer’s best hidden features. The steps are very simple.

Start a new line in Writer. Type ‘fn’ and then press ‘F3’ from the keyboard.


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The ‘fn’ gets replaced by the numbered formula:

E = mc2 (2)

Now we can double-click on the formula to edit it.

Text Mode

In Writer, large formulas should always be in a paragraph of their own, separated from the other text. When we use formula elements in running text, they can often be higher than the letter height. However, if it is necessary to place a formula within running text, we need to use the ‘Text Mode’.

We can switch to the Text Mode by going into the equation editor and then clicking on ‘Format’ from the main menu bar and from the resulting menu, clicking on ‘Text Mode’. After switching on the Text Mode, Math will try to shrink the formula to fit the letter height. The numerators and denominators of fractions are shrunk, and the limits of integrals and sums are placed beside the integral/sum sign.

This way the formula looks more like a part of the remaining text.

Background, Border and Size of Formulas in Writer

In the basic installation of Math, formulas have a transparent background and no borders. The size of a formula cannot be adjusted; in a Writer document it depends directly on the way the formula is constructed. So we can define the font size of the formula while creating it but cannot change it afterwards. The method for changing the font size of a formula has already been discussed in one of the earlier sections.

Fast insertion of formulas

If we know the markup of the formula, there is a faster method to build a formula in Writer. First of all write the formula markup in Writer. Then select this markup. Now insert the formula using the keyboard shortcuts. The creation and usage of keyboard shortcuts have been discussed in the Writer tutorials. This method avoids opening and closing the Math window and saves a reasonable amount of time.