• What do I want to do?

I  need to insert mathematical exprssions in exams and in Microsoft One-Note during lectures.

• What technology will help me accomplish my goals?

There are many programs which enable one to create mathematical expressions. Some are only equation editors, such as MathType, while others allow computations to be carried out. Microsoft Word has a decent equation editor, but it only works within Word or One-Note, while MathType can insert math expressions into various types of documents, including 'Word, One-Note, and email. When MathType is installed, it is automatically integrated into the Word ribbon.

• How easy is it to use?

The instructions included in the program are easy to follow. Within Word, I simply click on MathType in the Word ribbon, and then on Inline, and I can insert a mathematical expression in the line being entered. It is easy to switch in and out of MathType to combine math expressions and ordinary text. Also, you can switch the style between math and text within MathType.

I pinned the MathType program to my Windows 10 taskbar. Then, I can open MathType while using any other program, such as One-Note.

If you have a tablet PC, as I do, then you also have a Math Input Panel. This allows you to write a math expression with digital inking and the expression is converted to clean mathematical format. This can be inserted into MathType and then edited within MathType.

The only complaint I have is that it is sometimes difficult to select desired  portions of entered expressions for futher modification within the MathType window.

• How do I learn to use it?

The MathType Help includes a tutorial, but most of the program is intuitively straight-forward.

• How can I obtain it?

        Here is a link to the MathType website

          http://www.dessci.com/en/products/mathtype

• What does it cost?