Entering Mathematical Notation

Mathematical symbols and two-dimensional notation can be entered from the keyboard as well as through palettes.

Entering formulas

You can use the following keystrokes for two-dimensional input.

Formula	Keystrokes	Result
power	x ^3	x3
fraction	x / 3
square root	2 x
subscript	x _3	x3
move cursor out of formula by one level

You can use 6 as an alternative to ^; on some non-U.S. keyboards, you may have to use 6 (see International keyboards).

Practice entering a formula by going through these steps.

1. x ^

2. 2

3. + 1 /

4. 2 x

5. + a _ 1

Any part of a two-dimensional formula can be selected and edited.

Tables and matrices

Tables and matrices can be entered using the command Input Create Table/Matrix/Palette. In the dialog box, specify the number of rows and columns. Press to fill in successive entries.

Tables can also be entered directly from the keyboard.

Action	Keystrokes
addacolumn	,
addarow
moveoutofmatrix

To display tables as matrices, type parentheses around them.

Special characters

Every special character in Mathematica has a full name, such as \[Alpha]. Common characters also have short aliases using the key.

Character	Full name	Alias
	\[Alpha]	a
	\[Beta]	b
	\[Pi]	pi
	\[Integral]	int
(differential operator)	\[DifferentialD]	dd

Practice entering special characters in either of these ways:

1. \[Alpha]

2. b

appears on the screen as and disappears when the substitution occurs.

TIPS
The Complete Characters palette in File Palettes lists all special characters. The name of each character is displayed when the cursor is over the character.
In some cases, the special character is replaced automatically without pressing the key. For example, is converted to ≥.
You can also use names as aliases for special characters, such as \infty .
Unix: If the main key is remapped, the keyboard commands discussed above will not work.

For more information
Entering Greek letters: The Mathematica Book, Section 1.10.1.
Entering two-dimensional input: The Mathematica Book, Sections 1.1.7 and 1.10.1.
Special characters: The Mathematica Book, Sections 3.10 and A.12.