Getting Started Guide

How do I make a derivative?
Making derivatives essentially comes down to one trick: Tell Math 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?
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.
2) In the Spacing dialog (Figure 261), click the Category button and select
Matrices in the drop-down menu.
3) Enter 0% for Column spacing and click OK.
264 Getting Started with OpenOffice.org 3.3