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Steve_BradyFlag for United States of America

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math writing software, symbols and fonts

Hello,

I am paralyzed due to quadriplegia and getting ready to take a calculus class.  Because of the paralysis, I can't write using a pencil and paper.  I can however, with the help of adaptive typing aids, use a computer keyboard and mouse.

I am interested in finding a software package that will enable me to write out math hoemwork problems, etc., on my computer screen.  I am aware that there are math font packages available that have all the symbols, etc., but what I really need is some software that enables me to write things just like I was doing it on paper.  For example, if I'm simply using math fonts in MS Word and want to write a fraction, I have to write the top of the fraction (numerator) first, underline it and then go to the next line, tab over several times then hit the space bar several times before writing the denominator.  And even then, the spacing is all messed up.  I've tried using MS Excel where you can move up and down with the arrow keys but Excel has other limitations that make impractical.

Is anyone aware of the kind of software I'm describing?

Thanks,

Steve
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moorhouselondon
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WordPerfect has a very good Equation Editor that automatically formats many constructs properly.
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You MUST look into MatCad. I think that it is JUST what you need.
It does all math. It writes symbols, It creates symbols with just point and click. It prints beautifully with no extra work. It translates well into html automatically. It permits easy rearrangement on the screen (and printed page) (drag and drop) It is not a drop- n but a complete math program. It is available in a (relatively) inexpensive student version. It draws beautiful graphs. ect ect GET IT.
The program is MathCad, not MatCad
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bingie

I find MathType the best.

http://www.chartwellyorke.com/mathtype.html

30 Day trial - program still works fine afterwards, some small functionality removed.

Steve,

Mathcad can be used for calculating and graphing as well as typing mathematical expressions.  But I think Mathtype would be enough for doing your homework.

Mathcad costs about $400.  Mathtype costs about $100, with a 30-day free trial.  You may even  find Lite mode, which is free, suitable.

Mathtype is compatible with MS Word.  You can copy and paste from Mathtype into Word, in case you want to combine equations and text.

Tht Mathtype homepage:
http://www.dessci.com/en/

Try MathType 30-day under Free Downloads.

mathbiol
hi,

my brother was working as a pizza messenger, and the pizza manager was blind.
then my brother wrote a fine SW to manage the pizza invitation/schedule etc.. for the blind manager

he was talking to the computer, the PC first recorded the commands and responded with an operation.

I would suggest, to use voice2text commands/SW. intel & ibm has great products, I am sure there r plenty more.

tal

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Santosh_Dev

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The Office Equation Editor does not (I think) get installed in the standard install. If you dont find it, run the office installer and select 'Custom', it should be in there. Its well worth a try, it can do fractions, integrals, sums, products, matrices etc etc.

Paul
Steve,

The Office Equation Editor is the precursor of MathType.  I guess it's equivalent to MathType Lite.  You can use either one, whichever installation is easier for you.

mathbiol
It's curious why no one mentioned Latex yet, as that is the most "guru" way of writing math by keyboard. It is not a "what you see is what you get" editor; instead you write and compile. It takes a while to get used to but it is very practical when you do.
http://www.latex-project.org/

If you are working under windows, then you can use winedt for latex: http://www.winedt.com, or texniccenter, a free alternative.
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ASKER

Thanks for all the great suggestions.

I found something called MathTalk which is designed to work with Dragon NatrurallySpeaking voice recognition software which I use every day.  The problem is that they have no phone # on their web site and I can't get a response to my e-mail.  Anybody familiar with them?
>>[START]-->[Find]-->[Files and Folders]
or just go to ;)
"C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Equation"
Steve,

I was not familiar with MathTalk, but I took a look at their site and got a good impression.

I agree that it looks like a better bet for you than what various people at Experts Exchange suggested.  It looks like it's a small family business, which may be why you haven't gotten a response.  But it seems to be the right product for you.  I think you've answered your own question.

If you have trouble installing or using it, and still don't get answers directly, maybe Dragon NaturallySpeaking people can help, or I wonder if there's a site where other people with similar needs to yours compare notes with each other -- the key would be to find someone who has used MathTalk.

Sorry we weren't much help to you on this site.  Good luck with your calculus course, and write back when you have calculus questions!

mathbiol