Math Guide

How do I make a derivative?
Making derivatives essentially comes down to one trick: Tell OOo it’s a
fraction.
In other words, you have to use the over command. Combine this with
either the letter d (for a total derivative) or the partial command (for a
partial derivative) to achieve the effect of a derivative.
Note
Notice that we have to use braces (squiggly brackets) to make
the derivative.
Markup Result
{df} over {dx}
df
dx
{partial f} over {partial y}
∂ f
∂ y
{partial^2 f} over {partial t^2}
∂
2
f
∂t
2
How do I align my equations at the equals sign?
OOo Math does not have a command for aligning equations on a
particular character, but you can use a matrix to do this, as shown
below.
Markup Result
matrix{
alignr x+y # {}={} # alignl 2 ##
alignr x # {}={} # alignl 2-y
}
x y = 2
x = 2−y
The empty braces around = are necessary because = is a binary
operator and thus needs an expression on each side.
You can reduce the spacing around = if you change the inter-column
spacing of the matrix:
1) With the equation editor open, choose Format > Spacing from
the menu bar.
Formula layout 15