Teachers of STEM subjects often use the formula editor in LessonUp. Virtually any formula can be implemented in LessonUp: within a slide or interactive feature.

But can everything be done in LessonUp's formula editor? Initially, it might seem to be limited to the features in the visual editor. However, when you switch to the textual editor, a completely new and extensive world opens up for you—the world of KaTeX.

KaTeX is a programming language (Javascript) that translates mathematical formulas into browsers, regardless of the browser being used. Developed in part by Khan Academy, KaTeX is a derivative of LaTeX, which has been around since 1983. While KaTeX is relatively easy to use, there are extensive resources available with all the functions you can use. Finding the right code may take some time, often requiring a bit of "knowing where to look."

Three of the most requested feature-wishes related to the formula editor in LessonUp involve the multiplication sign (x), spaces, and text in a formula. All of these elements can be entered as formulas in LessonUp when using the text editor.

While the dot is the most commonly used multiplication sign in mathematics, the 'x' is often used in the lower years of secondary education (VMBO). However, if you input the 'x' in the formula editor, you get an italicised 'x' as used in equations. How do you get the 'x' as the multiplication sign?

Go to the formula editor (+ component -> Formula) and choose Text editor.

Then, check the box for 'Edit KaTeX.' Although not necessary, enabling this option provides a clearer display of the input in this screen.

Suppose you want to input the sum 2x2. If you enter it 'normally,' you get this:

However, for the reasons mentioned earlier, this can be confusing for your students.

If you use the '\times' function, you will input the multiplication sign 'x'.

In the lesson, it will look like this:

Text and Spaces

If you want to enter not only a formula but also accompanying text, you can do that in the text editor as well. However, you've probably noticed that, regardless of the number of spaces you've entered, the words look stuck together.

KaTeX has a solution for this as well. KaTeX has a variety of functions for spaces, including:

\; = a large space.

\: = a medium space.

\, = a small space.

In the text editor, it will look like this:

And in the lesson, it appears as follows:

If you don't like the italicised nature of the text, it's even possible to adjust it using the '\mathrm{...}' function. The text between the braces can be the complete sentence you want to place in the formula. In the example, that is the text 'or four' (translated: 'in other words, four').

However, it's necessary to input a space function each time. In this case, our formula looks like this: 2\times2=4\; \mathrm {or\;four}

And in the lesson, it will look like this:

With the text editor (and thus with KaTeX), the formula possibilities in LessonUp are virtually limitless. Be sure to check here if you want to 'experiment' with KaTeX.