# How to write math in an email

By Murray Bourne, 16 Sep 2009

Perhaps you're a student and you need to ask your teacher a question about your math homework. You go to type it in an email but have trouble when you get up to the square root, fraction, integral and summation signs. Greek characters pose even more of a challenge.

I've developed a "math in email" application that aims to make the process easier. It's built on ASCIIMathML, which displays good looking math using normal fonts (in Firefox) or images (in other browsers).

I've updated it so it now sends the mail directly so the recipient can read it in their email program (whereas before they had to click a link to see the contents of the mail).

Using this system, you can type simple commands to achieve math symbols in your email. The approach is similar to the way you enter math into a graphics calculator or a spreadsheet.

For example, a fraction can be typed using "/", as in: (a + b)/c, and it will display as a proper (vertical) fraction. There's just one trick - you need to enclose your math in opening single quotes (not apostrophes) like this:

(a + b)/c

A square root is simply: sqrt(x+5)

Superscripts (powers): x^2

Subscripts: x_1

Go try out the Math Mail system. You can send a mail to yourself to test it out (it will send a copy to you for your own records).

Feedback is welcome - did it work OK for you?

### 10 Comments on “How to write math in an email”

1. Moses Gwebatala says:

First i thank u for ur monthly newsletter,Let the living God(Almigthy)bless u and the works of ur hands abundatly.i tried the trick u sent me today and it was working well.if any hardship i will keep in touch with u.
Am seeking advise from u,i know passing math is thru this website,what if it was physics,which web can/person can help me pass it?i want to sit my exams in nov 2010 but am reading on my own.
hope to hear from u soon

2. Hassan says:

Hello!
really amazing..i real needed this from long ago...thank u very much..i really appreciate that..keep on!

3. Murray says:

Moses: This is a very popular physics support forum: https://www.physicsforums.com/ You may be able to get help there.

4. S Ahmed says:

It's really good - I am looking forward to using it.

5. eduardo says:

thank u for all the help

6. Olaiju O.A says:

You always amazed me,I really thank you for this new development,is working well.

7. Murray says:

Glad it worked for you, Olaiju!

8. Murray says:

9. vince mojica says:

I use math to find discounted stock prices when buying. It has worked phenomonally. Im studying pre-calc on my own in hopes to continue upward as there is other calculations that require probability & calculus. Whatever problem my text or accompanying dvd cant help me with, I will ask you. Thanks. Vince

10. kintu erisa says:

i have learnt alot from these math lettrs eg how to write amath email am greatful.am hoping to learn more from these letters with love may god blee u

### Comment Preview

HTML: You can use simple tags like <b>, <a href="...">, etc.

To enter math, you can can either:

1. Use simple calculator-like input in the following format (surround your math in backticks, or qq on tablet or phone):
a^2 = sqrt(b^2 + c^2)
(See more on ASCIIMath syntax); or
2. Use simple LaTeX in the following format. Surround your math with $$ and $$.
$$\int g dx = \sqrt{\frac{a}{b}}$$
(This is standard simple LaTeX.)

NOTE: You can mix both types of math entry in your comment.

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