## Tuesday, July 17, 2012

### This is Only A Test!

I wanted to see if I can typeset a formula. For example, the area of a circle is given by:

$A=\pi r^2$
So, it works! That means we can be even fancier:
$x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}$
$1 + \frac{1}{1 + \frac{1}{1 + \frac{1}{1 + ...}}}$
And here is a definition of $e$:
$e = \displaystyle \lim_{h \to 0} (1+h)^{1/h}$
or equivalently
$e = \displaystyle \lim_{x \to \infty} \left(1+\frac{1}{x}\right)^x$
This was pretty easy if you know $\LaTeX$. I just pasted come code on the first line of my posting, thanks to Ms. Nardini. If you don't know $\LaTeX$ but would like to, let me know. Happy to give a tutorial.

1. No idea how to solve your equations (well, maybe I could do the first one if I really tried), but I'm very intrigued by the program you used to create them! Though we don't use equations of that nature as much in biology, there are still plenty of formulas that need to be incorporated into notes/assignments. I am definitely interested in learning about this "Latex" resource!

2. Pete - as a part of my adventure seeking an second BA in math, I had a professor who originally stated that we would have to use LATEX on our homework submissions. So I dutifully loaded it onto my PC, but could never figure it out on my own. He never followed through on his expectation, so I never learned.

I've heard it's not necessary to know and utilize LATEX for secondary math. Are the math tools in Word and Excel good enough? I'm still seeking some guidance on the subject.

3. I suppose neither is necessary. I learned LaTeX before MS Equation Editor or MathType existed, so when I tried them, I decided I was happier with LaTeX. Here's forum discussion that seems decent, but I think it's what you prefer. I do note that the forum shows a limit that yields e. I prefer the LaTeX look (see my edited post).