LibreOffice Math is a simple and intuitive editor for mathematical formulas. It allows you to create clear equations that can be easily inserted into text documents in LibreOffice Writer.

Thanks to its special syntax and built-in suggestions, Math is ideal for scientific work, educational materials, and mathematical tasks.

Mathematical formula syntax

Math uses a special, simplified markup language to create equations. You do not need to know LaTeX—just a few basic commands are enough.

Example syntax:
a^2 + b^2 = c^2 → a2+b2=c2a^2 + b^2 = c^2a2+b2=c2
sqrt {x} → x\sqrt{x}x
int from 0 to 1 x^2 dx → ∫01x2dx\int_{0}^{1} x^2 dx∫01x2dx
over – division in fraction form: a over b → ab\frac{a}{b}ba

Keywords are written in English: sum, sqrt, int, lim, over, cdot, infty, etc.

Inserting formulas into Writer documents

How to insert a formula:
In a Writer document, go to Insert → Object → Formula.
The Math editor will open in the bottom panel—enter the syntax there.
The formula will automatically appear in the document as a graphic object.
You can double-click any formula in the document to edit it again.

Examples of simple and complex equations

Simple:
E = mc^2
x = {-b ± sqrt{b^2 – 4ac}} over 2a
a over b + c over d

Complex:
sum from {i=1} to {n} i^2 = {n(n+1)(2n+1)} over 6
lim from {x -> 0} {sin x} over x = 1
int from {0} to {infty} e^{-x^2} dx = sqrt {pi} over 2

LibreOffice Math is:

a formula editor with simple syntax,
a convenient tool for embedding equations in documents,
an ideal choice for pupils, teachers, students, and scientists.

In the next part, we will move on to LibreOffice Base—databases and creating simple forms.