Using the Blackboard Math Editor

What is this?

Anywhere in Blackboard that you see the text editor box, you can use the Math Editor to include math equations in your announcements, blog posts, discussion board posts, and more.

Why would I want to do this?

If you have to include a complex mathematical formula in your post, it is much easier to do so through the equation editor than using other methods.

Using the Math Editor: An Example

As an example, let’s walk through posting an announcement, blog post or a discussion thread containing the quadratic formula.

1. In the text editor, click the chevrons in the upper right-hand corner.
2. You should see the full-text editor menu. Click on the "Math Editor" button.
3. A new window will pop up containing the Math Editor.
   
4. This window in Line 3 is where all of the mathematical symbols and tools you’ll need can be accessed. The mathematical symbols and expressions are organized in groups. Each group corresponds to a tab on the top row. Click on each of the tabs to see different symbols and expressions to know where to find them as you write your equation or formula.
   
   

Let’s see how it works by entering the "quadratic formula" step-by-step:

1. First, use your keyboard to type “x =”
   You’ll notice the Math Editor automatically italicizes letters typed into the editor.
2. Next, click on the Fraction button to create the big fraction for the equation
   
3. A fraction with two little green squares will appear. Click the top green square and use your keyboard to type "-b"
   
4. Then click on the Plus-minus sign button to insert that sign into your equation  
5. Now we need to create a square root within the numerator of the fraction. Leave your cursor where it is (immediately after the plus-minus sign) and click the Square root button
   
6. Now, click inside the green box in the square root and type the letter “b”, then hit the superscript button
7. You now have b with a superscript box. In the little superscript box, type “2,” then hit the right arrow key on your keyboard to exit the superscript. Otherwise, you’ll continue typing multiple characters in the superscript box
8. Finish the numerator by typing “-4ac” under the square root symbol
   
9. Now to finish the equation, click the green box in the denominator, and type “2a”
10. Now you have your complete quadratic formula. In order to insert it into the announcement, click on the “Accept” button
    

Your formula now appears in the text editor

More features to know in the Math Editor

If you need to edit your formula to make any changes, just click on the formula to select it, then click the Math Editor button.

Use these controls to adjust the font, color, size, and italicization of your formula.

Mouse-over each tab or button to get a description of the symbols.

Click on the little gray arrows in some sections to get more symbols.

Click on the question mark icon in the upper left-hand corner to go the help manual for the editor.