<p>Re equations on a laptop:</p>
<p>If you have a recent copy of Word, you have an equation editor,
See: [Creating</a> Mathematics with Microsoft Word Software - Written by and Images Created by Steve Simonds - Portland Community College](<a href=“http://spot.pcc.edu/~ssimonds/thisandthat/msword.htm]Creating”>http://spot.pcc.edu/~ssimonds/thisandthat/msword.htm) </p>
<p>Typically, the equation editor is not loaded with the standard installation of Word. You need to use the “customized “installation of Word and select the equation editor.</p>
<p>There is the typesetting program LaTeX.
See: [LaTeX</a> project: LaTeX – A document preparation system](<a href=“http://www.latex-project.org/]LaTeX”>http://www.latex-project.org/)</p>
<p>You’ll need to type in the LaTeX code to create math formulas. For a beginning student, you’re better off just using pencil and paper.</p>
<p>If you have a Tablet PC (where you can write on the screen using a stylus), you can write out your equation using the Mathjournal program from Xthink.
See: [url=<a href=“http://www.xthink.com/MathJournal.html]xThink[/url”>http://www.xthink.com/MathJournal.html]xThink[/url</a>]</p>
<p>Unlike Word’s equation editor or LaTeX, the Mathjournal program allows you to write down your math problems on the screen of your Tablet PC and, by selecting the solution button, gives you the answer. When you’re done with your assignment, you can output your work in either the LaTeX or Mathjournal’s Mathml format for that text book printed look.</p>