How to Get Math Type for PowerPoint
Mathematical symbols are a specialized group of type that comprise a language unto themselves. Because normal keyboard operation doesn't lend itself well to math typing, you need another option to enter these symbols into a PowerPoint presentation. PowerPoint, like the rest of Microsoft Office, has a built-in equation tool that allows you to access all of the functions, operators and symbols that are common to mathematical expressions. You can also install a third-party application called MathType from Design Science that allows you to enter mathematical equations in several different Office applications.
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Instructions
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PowerPoint Equation Editor
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Open the presentation in PowerPoint where you want to use the math typing. Click on the slide where you want the equation or symbol to appear.
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Click on the "Insert" tab in the Office ribbon and then click "Symbol" if you just have one character that you need to insert. From the Symbol popup, you can click to select the symbol from the options. Click on the drop-down menu in the upper right and choose "Mathematical Operators" to see the most common math type.
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Click on the "Equation" button on the Insert tab if you want to enter a full equation. If you click the arrow below the button, several common equations show up, for example, the area of a circle. Or, you can click the main button to open the Equation Tools tab in the ribbon.
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Select the math type symbols you need from the ribbon. There are categories for different types of mathematical characters. From the "Symbols" area, click the "More" arrow on the right, automatically selected are Basic Math symbols. Click the arrow next to "Basic Math" to see other symbol groups, for example, "Greek Letters."
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Choose a mathematical structure from the Structures section on the ribbon. Here you can create fraction, matrices or other operations. When it appears on the slide, you can click on any of the dotted squares and enter a value.
MathType Software
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Visit the Design Science site at dessci.com and click on the "Products" link at the top of the page. Click "MathType" and then click "Buy Now." Follow the on-screen instructions to pay for the software and download it to your computer.
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Double-click on the downloaded file from Design Science to begin installing MathType. When you're prompted, accept the installation of a toolbar for PowerPoint. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish installing MathType on your computer.
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Open PowerPoint and then click on the "File" tab. Click on "Options" and then click "Customize Ribbon." Click the box next to "MathType" in the list on the right so that there is a check in it. Click "OK." The MathType toolbar will now show up on the Office ribbon in PowerPoint.
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Click the "MathType" toolbar and then click the "Σ" equation icon. This will launch the MathType editor where you can select the different equation elements you want from the toolbar and create the equation. When you're done, close the MathType window. You can drag the equation around on the PowerPoint slide as necessary.
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