The Goal of This Lesson

Understand your options for typing mathematics before setting up your homework documents. Jonathan recommends practicing Microsoft Word throughout college while also learning the specialized software relevant to your intended career.

1. Understand the Difference Between the Tools

The lesson demonstrates two ways to produce mathematical notation: working inside a Word document and writing source code for a LaTeX document in TeXShop. UnicodeMath and LaTeX input serve similar purposes inside Word, but their syntax differs.

2. Create a Shortcut for Word’s Equation Editor

Jonathan demonstrates this setup in Microsoft Word on a Mac.

1. Open Tools → Customize Keyboard.
2. Select the Insert category.
3. Find the equation insertion command, shown as EquationInsert or a similar equation command.
4. Assign a keyboard shortcut. Jonathan uses Command + E.
5. Save the assignment and test it in your document.

Shortcut note: Command + E is Jonathan’s custom assignment. Check whether your chosen shortcut already performs another action before replacing it.

3. Select an Equation Input Mode

1. Insert an equation using your shortcut or Word’s equation controls.
2. Open the equation options and locate the UnicodeMath and LaTeX input choices.
3. Select the mode that matches the syntax you intend to enter.
4. Practice with a short expression before entering a longer equation.

Jonathan generally uses UnicodeMath for everyday equation entry and switches to LaTeX input when he wants to enter supported LaTeX syntax.

4. Practice Entering Mathematics in Word

1. Begin with a simple expression, such as an integral with upper and lower limits.
2. Use the grouping syntax appropriate to your selected input mode. The demonstration contrasts parentheses used for grouping in UnicodeMath with curly braces in LaTeX input.
3. In the UnicodeMath demonstration, Jonathan uses the Space key to build up the expression.
4. For the LaTeX example, he enters the complete expression before converting it to formatted mathematics.
5. If an expression does not convert correctly, check the input mode, grouping symbols, and supported commands.

Follow the video for the exact keystrokes shown. The conversion action can depend on the expression and your version of Word; use the equation conversion controls when needed.

5. Practice Building a Matrix

1. Insert a new equation.
2. Use Word’s matrix templates to create a matrix layout, or enter matrix notation supported by the selected input mode.
3. Fill the cells with the required entries.
4. Check the number of rows and columns.
5. Review subscripts and alignment before continuing.

In the lesson, Jonathan requests an indexed 5 × 5 matrix as an example for comparing LaTeX source with formatted mathematical output.

6. Compare the Workflow in TeXShop

1. Open a LaTeX document in TeXShop.
2. Place the equation or matrix code inside the appropriate mathematical environment.
3. Use the Typeset control to compile the document.
4. Compare the source code with the resulting mathematical output.
5. Notice how editing a LaTeX source document differs from editing equations directly inside Word.

TeXShop is the editing application; LaTeX is the document preparation system used in this workflow. Code intended for a complete LaTeX document may require changes before it works in Word’s equation input.

7. Use AI to Assist with Equation Formatting

Jonathan demonstrates asking ChatGPT for a specific piece of mathematical typesetting code:

Give me a five-by-five default matrix that is indexed. I don’t need any packages, just the code.

1. Specify the expression or structure you need.
2. State whether the code is intended for Word’s equation input or a LaTeX document.
3. Request only the code if that is all you need.
4. Insert it into the appropriate environment.
5. Check both the mathematical content and the rendered formatting.

The distinction in this demonstration is between getting help entering notation and doing the mathematical reasoning yourself.

8. Build a Daily Software Practice Routine

Jonathan recommends spending 10–15 minutes each day exploring the software you expect to use in college and at work.

1. Choose one ribbon tab, menu, or group of controls.
2. Work through the options in order.
3. Test each unfamiliar feature in a practice document.
4. Begin with controls such as font size, case changes, paragraph formatting, and equation tools.
5. Continue with the next group of features during your next practice session.
6. Rotate through other applications relevant to your goals.

The objective is steady practice throughout your degree so that you can use the tools confidently when you need them.

9. Review Job Requirements Early in College

1. Look up entry-level positions related to your intended career.
2. Read the qualifications and software requirements.
3. Record the tools that repeatedly appear across relevant listings.
4. Compare those requirements with your current experience.
5. Begin developing the missing skills while you are still in college.
6. Create work samples that demonstrate what you can do.

During the recording, Jonathan reviews listings mentioning Microsoft Office proficiency and discusses CAD software for engineering roles. His recommendation is to begin researching career requirements in your first year rather than waiting until graduation.

Software requirements vary by role and employer. Use the actual positions you intend to pursue to decide how much time to devote to Microsoft Office, LaTeX, CAD, programming, and other tools.

10. Apply the Lesson to Your Study Routine

• Set up a convenient way to insert equations in Word.
• Learn the difference between UnicodeMath and LaTeX input.
• Practice an integral and a matrix in the environment you plan to use.
• Follow your instructor’s required submission format.
• Build broader document and software proficiency alongside your coursework.
• Use job listings to guide your preparation and résumé development.

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