User's Manual
Complex Formulas
Complex Formulas
Of course, most people can figure out how to do something simple like
a
. The problems
appear when you try to write more complex equations. This section explores some general
situations and suggests solutions.
Brackets are your friends
You may have heard your professor say this. It is true for science, and it is true for OOo.
The equation editor knows nothing of order of operation. To make moderately complex
formulas, you must use brackets. For example:
Display Command
x=
−b±
b
2
−4 ac
2 a
x = { -b +- sqrt { b^2 - 4ac } } over { 2a }
Tip: Squiggly brackets can be used to collect terms without the bracket appearing in the
equation.
Sums and integration
The “sum” and “int” commands can optionally take in “from” and “to” parameters. These
are used in a way that is meant to resemble how the equation is read in English. These
parameters can be used singly or together. For example:
Display Command
∑
n=1
∞
a
n
1
n
2
sum from { n = 1 } to infinity { a_n + 1 over n^2}
∑
a∈ A
a
3
sum from { i in A } { a^3 }
∫
a
b
x
2
1
x
dx
int from a to b { x^2 + 1 over x dx }
∫
r e
i
d
int from %alpha { r(%theta)e^{i%theta} d %theta }
Tip: Though they look the same, the “sum” command is more flexible than “%SIGMA”.
Tip: Use “infinity” to produce the
∞
symbol.
Math Objects 3