Using Equation Editor / Math Keyboard
In questions
You can use our equation editor to add Math to any question type by selecting the + icon on the right side of the question block and selecting "Math". Then use our built-in keyboard to write equations and formulas:
In answer choices
You can also add equations as answers choices to questions. Select the + icon next to an answer choice and select "Math":
Designed for all levels of math!
You can create all levels of math equations, from elementary addition to advanced physics. Because of this, you can explore combinations of using your keyboard and the on-screen editor to create the best combination for you.
As an example, if you hit Shift + 8 on your keyboard to add the * sign while in the editor, it will represent the multiplication symbol as a "·" instead of as an "x". These tools work the same for the student and teacher side. So play around and make the best equation for your need!
Keyboard additional functions!
You will find everything you need already existing within this on-screen equation editor, eliminating the need to use any external keyboards.
Looking for special characters, symbols or functions? Check out the 5 tabs this keyboard has to offer!
Long-press keys on this keyboard to reveal additional options related to the chosen key.
Let's take a closer look at each of the tabs and the options it presents:
Numeric Tab: 123
In the Numeric Tab, the following keys can be long-pressed to reveal additional options:
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Numbers 1 - 9
Font options: Bold, Sans, Monospace |
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Functions Tab: 𝑓 ( )
In the Functions Tab, the following keys can be long-pressed to reveal additional options:
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ASCII Special Characters Tab: ∞≠∈
In the Special Characters Tab, the following keys can be long-pressed to reveal additional options:
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Alphabetic Tab: ABC
In the Alphabetic Tab, all letter keys - both upper case and lower case - can be long-pressed to reveal additional fonts:
Letter | Upper Case | Lower Case |
A a | 
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B b |
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C c |
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D d |
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E d |
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F f |
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G g |
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H h |
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I i | 
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J j |
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K k | 
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L l |
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M m | 
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N n |
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O o |
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P p |
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Q q | 
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R r |
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S s |
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T t |
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U u | 
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V v |
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W w | 
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X x |
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Y y | 
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Z z |
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Greek Tab: 𝝰𝝱𝝲
Need more functions?
There are many more functions you can create using LaTeX! With LaTeX, you can write mathematical expressions in-line with text. Read our Using LaTeX in Formative article for more information!
Troubleshooting
🙋🏻♀️ Numeric input is not displaying as expected when using the device's keyboard or the in-app keyboard. My students and/or I need to press the same symbol twice, or the symbols are not looking as they should
Please follow the steps below, in order of appearance. After each step check the numeric input again to see if resolved:
Verify the browser used is updated to the most recent version
Clear Cache & Cookies
Ensure all pop-up blockers, ad-blockers, or 3rd party blockers are disabled on the browser
Check installed extensions for possible interference and disable the culprit while using Formative. A common culprit is the Chrome extension 'Read&Write - if it's installed on the browser please disable it while using Formative.