Since the language of mathematics contains many symbols and expressions that are not on the computer keyboard, there was a need to create a few keystrokes to aid you in entering such expressions.
Below you will find the complete list of expressions, characters and symbols that may need to be entered in your answers from time to time.
Note: After entering the expression and/or symbol, it will appear on the screen in the correct mathematical form.
Exponents:
To enter an expression like x4 + y, type the x, press the UP ARROW KEY, type the 4 + y, and then press the DOWN ARROW KEY to continue.
Radicals:
To enter an expression like the 4th root of x, end the radical, and add + y, press the BACK-SLASH KEY \ three times and type x, then press the RIGHT BRACKET KEY ] to end the radical, then type the + y.
Subscript:
To enter an expression like an, type the a, press the Down Arrow Key,type the n, and press the Up Arrow Key to continue.
Characters and Symbols:
| Character | Keystroke(s) |
| Less Than or Equal: | The Less Than key (<) followed by the Equal Sign key (=) |
| Greater Than or Equal: | The Greater Than key (>) followed by the Equal Sign key (=) |
| Not Equal To: | The Less Than key (<) followed by the Greater Than key (>) |
| The Infinity Symbol: | The tilde key (~), located next to the 1 key, on most computer keyboards |
| Absolute Value |
The pipe key (|), which is shift+backslash(\), is used for each bar of the absolute value. |
| Greek letter pi: | Use the insert symbol menu option |
| Greek letter mu: | Use the insert symbol menu option |
| X bar: | The X key (X) followed by the Underscore key ( _ )> |
| Greek letter sigma: | Ctrl-s, while holding down the Ctrl key, press the s key. |