# Maths and formulas

> Write a formula in a note, change it later, and copy it out.

Source: https://workroad.app/docs/notes-advanced/maths

Formulas are written in LaTeX, the notation most maths and science books use. You need very little of it to start: a few symbols go a long way, and the formula dialog has buttons for the rest.

## Write a formula

### In a line of text

Type `$x^2$` and then a space. The formula appears inside the sentence.

### On a line of its own

At the start of an empty line, type `$$x^2$$`. The formula becomes a block, centred on its own line.

### With the formula dialog

Type `/math` and press <kbd>Enter</kbd>. The dialog shows the formula as you type it, and its symbol palette adds fractions, roots, Greek letters and arrows for you.

## Change or copy a formula

Click a formula to open it again. Right-click it, or press and hold it on a phone, to copy its LaTeX or a picture of it.

A formula WorkRoad can't read shows in red, so you can see what to fix.

## A few to start with

| Type            | For                     |
| --------------- | ----------------------- |
| `x^2`           | a power: x squared      |
| `x_1`           | a subscript: x one      |
| `\frac{a}{b}`   | a fraction: a over b    |
| `\sqrt{x}`      | a square root           |
| `\pi`, `\Delta` | Greek letters           |
| `\ce{H2O}`      | a chemical formula: H₂O |

## Go further

Chemistry and physics notation, commands of your own and numbered equations are in the [formula reference](https://workroad.app/docs/notes-advanced/formula-reference).