Using LaTex
Using LaTeX, you can add almost any Math notation in Formative - including multi-line equations, geometry, set-builder notation, and matrices! (New to LaTeX? Check out an overview here.)
Formative uses Katex as its LaTeX engine to render mathematical expressions. You can find a list of supported functions here.
We support two main ways to add LaTeX anywhere you can edit Rich Text: in-line and using a Math keyboard. (A Rich Text box is any text box that has the blue "+" icon on the right edge.)
1. In-line
To get started, type the LaTeX code, then select it and choose "LaTeX" from the formatting menu:
Note, the yellow highlighted text is what the student will see. You can use the Student Preview to check how this will appear on the student side:
2. Math keyboard
In any rich text box, you can click to open a menu of advanced options, including Math:
Clicking on the mathematic equation that appears will allow you to edit with a full toolbar of mathematical options:
Note: this input field also supports LaTeX expressions that are typed in directly (however, be sure to click the space bar to trigger conversion).
Where can LaTex be used?
LaTeX can be used within questions, but also in answer options for most question types.
Anywhere that you see a Rich Text box can use LaTeX. This includes answer options for Multiple Choice, Multiple Selection, Matching, and Resequence questions; and items and categories for Categorize questions.
For more inspiration, the following formatives contain some fantastic examples of LaTeX:
This formative has examples of multi-line equations, geometry notation, and operations.
This formative can be assigned to guest students and used for professional development with teachers. It contains LaTeX examples (including matrices and multi-line equations) and asks those taking the formative to recreate them.
Students can use LaTeX, too!
Numeric questions provide a mathematical keyboard for your students. In Numeric questions, students can use the mathematical keyboard or type LaTeX code into the input directly, and when they hit the space bar, the code will render into the appropriate notation:
Additionally, in Free Response questions, students can use LaTeX in exactly the same way as teachers. They can either use the dropdown "+" menu for a mathematical keyboard or they can write the LaTeX code directly, then select it and choose "LaTeX" from the formatting menu:
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.
LaTex Cheat Sheet
It can be difficult to remember all the LaTex expressions off the top of your head, and there's no need to! Download the attached LaTex Cheat Sheet for your convenience!