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Grapher application - How to insert literal underscore into an equation?

Hi,

I would like to use Grapher to compose equations that I can then paste into Word. My problem is that I can't figure out how to insert a literal underscore into the equation. I'm trying to get:

A_1 = x

When I type the underscore, Grapher interprets that as a request to make the "1" a subscript. The underscore does not show up. I have tried pasting text, the "Special Characters" palette, and any number of possible escape characters.

Anyone know how to do this?

Thanks,

Walter.

Mac Pro, Mac OS X (10.5.2)

Posted on Jan 21, 2011 11:42 AM

Reply
13 replies

Jan 21, 2011 5:26 PM in response to baltwo

Hi,

I have done a lot of Googling today, believe me! On this question and others.

My first search, on "mac word lost equations" turned up:

http://www.tech-archive.net/Archive/Mac/microsoft.public.mac.office.word/2009-11 /msg00357.html

I hope you have better luck with Word Equation Editor than I have had, and that you will make better backups.

Anyone know the answer to the question?

Thanks,

Walter

Jan 21, 2011 7:22 PM in response to Walter Overby

Well, I teach physics and use lots of equations in my classes. For Word and PowerPoint, the built-in math editor has worked flawlessly. They are not images, I can double click on them and make changes. Never had a problem.

However, if you prefer not to use the built in editor, download MathType for Mac. The demo runs for 30 days as a full version then turns into a free "light" version ("lite" for you cool kids!). For almost everyone, the light version is more than enough.

Jan 21, 2011 8:12 PM in response to mwfanelli

Hi!

Thanks to everyone for posting.

I started this thread hoping to get specific information about Grapher. While I appreciate suggestions of alternatives, I already have a good alternative picked out, and I'll use it if this issue stops me from using Grapher. Alternatives are not what I need help with.

Anybody know how to get that underscore in there?

Thanks,

Walter.

Jan 22, 2011 9:43 AM in response to Walter Overby

I'm trying to get:

A_1 = x


I don't really know how Grapher works, but I was able to directly paste in an underscore character that I had typed into TextEdit and then copied to the clipboard: :

!http://i54.tinypic.com/23lxdsg.jpg!
I had to copy-paste just the underscore - it didn't work if I copy-pasted the entire equation.
.

However when I then added a second equation, y=A_1 (to try to graph y=x), the second equation looked OK in the equation list but generated an error alert triangle:
!http://i51.tinypic.com/2r28zmd.jpg!
.

When I clicked on the yellow alert triangle I got this window, suggesting that the underscore was still being interpreted as a subscript initiator, despite its appearance in the equation list:
!http://i54.tinypic.com/2h2gi2v.jpg!

Jan 24, 2011 2:41 PM in response to Walter Overby

Hi,
As far as I know you can write only one "equation" in the equation editor (above the graph window). This equation may be in several lines as you can see in the Equation Palette / usually three but much more using the "conditions" operator (I just try 10 lines).
I don't know what kind of underline you want, is it a system of several equations behind a great curly bracket or something like "limit f(x) = 1 (underline x > infinity) ? Grapher can't do these.
The Grapher equation editor is the one useful for graphing points, curves and surfaces, not really built for writing maths books. As already said in post above use MathType (very good with Pages iWork).
Please look at the equation lists of Grapher Examples for a precise idea of what Grapher can do.
So long, YB24

Jan 24, 2011 3:05 PM in response to Walter Overby

Hi again,
i'm sorry, I just understood what you call "underscore" or "underline" is called "low line" or "combining low line" in the OS X "characters viewer".
Disregard my previous post.
There is no way typing low lines in the Grapher equation editor, that means anytime "indice subscript for the following signs".
YB24

Grapher application - How to insert literal underscore into an equation?

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