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Rise 360: How to Insert Math Equations

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Rise 360

Properly expressing complex math equations using a standard text editor is difficult. That's why Rise 360 has a built-in LaTex editor so you can easily add clear and concise equations. Fully accessible, math equations work with screen readers by default. You can boost their accessibility by adding alternative (alt) text and choosing colors that meet contrast guidelines. 

  1. Build and Edit Math Equations
  2. Make Math Equations Accessible

Build and Edit Math Equations

The built-in LaTeX editor is available anywhere you can access the text formatting toolbar. To create math equations, follow these steps:

  1. In a block that supports in-line text editing, you have three ways to access the editor:
    • On a blank line, click the Quick Insert button that appears and select Math Equation. 
    • Type a forward slash and select Math Equation from the pop-up menu.
    • Select existing text and click the Math Equation icon from the text editing toolbar.
  2. In the Insert Math Equation window, enter your formula in the Define Equation field. It displays as a graphic at the bottom of the window in real-time. 
  3. Enter descriptive alt text in the short and long description fields on the right.
  4. Click Insert to add the equation to your block.

Math equations aren't available in AI Assistant at this time.

Note: The math equations editor supports MathJax commands.

Editing Math Equations

To edit an existing math equation, select it and click the Math Equation icon on the text editing toolbar. Click Update when finished. 

Need to make your equation bigger or apply formatting? You can modify equations by selecting them and choosing the appropriate icon. Modifications are applied to the entire equation.

Make Math Equations Accessible

Math equations are rendered as scalable vector graphics (SVG), which means they stay sharp when resized. In addition, you can further enhance math equation accessibility with these steps:

  • Add short and long descriptions (alt text). Use a two-part text alternative for complex images to make them more accessible to all learners, including screen reader users. Short descriptions identify the image, while long descriptions represent essential information conveyed by the image. The alt text should spell out the name of each symbol in the equation. (1.1.1 Non-text Content)
  • Meet color contrast guidelines. When changing the color of your equation, use a web-based contrast checker or download a contrast checker tool to test the contrast ratio. (1.4.11 Non-text Contrast)
  • Determine whether text within an image is necessary. Using text instead of images when conveying information is generally preferred when it comes to accessibility. However, having text within a math equation SVG is acceptable if it gives learners essential context. (1.4.5 Images of Text)