MathType Tip: Creating "Stacked" Arithmetic

Applies to:

Sometimes putting even the simplest math expressions into a document can be problematic. Consider this example:

Here's how you go about building one:

1. In MathType's Underbar and overbar templates palette, select the Under-bar template. (If you don't know which palette this is, notice that whenever you point to something with the mouse, the MathType Status Bar—the bottom of the MathType window—identifies what it is you're pointing to.)

2. Type the first addend (or minuend, if it's a subtraction problem). In this case, . Make sure you press Tab after you're finished typing the mixed number, so that the insertion point (cursor) is outside the fraction, like this , not like this .
3. Press Enter, then type the + symbol, followed by the second addend (or subtrahend, if it's a subtraction problem). In the example, that's "".
4. Make sure the MathType insertion point (i.e., flashing cursor) is outside the fraction, but still within the Under-bar template, as in this example:

5. In the Format menu, select Align Right.
6. Press Tab to move outside the Under-bar template, then press Enter.
7. Type the sum (or difference, for a subtraction), which in this case is .
8. In the Format menu, select Align Right again. Note that the Align Right command is specific to each template slot or "pile" (i.e., a vertical stack of lines or slots).

That completes this stacked arithmetic item. If you need more addends, just repeat steps 2 and 3 above. If you'd like more space after the plus (or minus), you can add a space from the Spaces and ellipses palette. If you often use this type of expression, you might consider putting a blank, generic copy of it onto the MathType toolbar. This will, in fact, be the subject of a future MathType Tip. If you want to make sure you don't miss one of our Tips & Tricks, subscribe to our blog Design Science News.

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