Math teachers know that typing math notation in Google Docs takes a bit of work. Rachel Fairhurst, a middle school math teacher in the Bedford School District, created a Google Doc with a list of shortcuts for her students so that they can type math expressions efficiently and correctly without having to spend the time to find what they are looking for in the equation tool bar. A sample of shortcuts can be seen in the image below. To view the full list of shortcuts that Rachel felt were important for her students click on this Google Doc link.
The trick to getting started in a Google Doc is to open the equation editor in the Google Document under the insert window. There is even a shortcut to inserting an equation without the need of moving the curser to the insert window.
Chromebook Shortcut: Alt + I + E (Alt + I will open the Insert window. E then opens the Equation editor)
Mac Shortcut: Ctrl + Option + I + E (Ctrl + Option + I will open the Insert window. E then opens the Equation editor)
Demonstration of Using the Shortcuts
For example: If I am looking to typing the following equation in a proper math notation in a Google Doc
y=3(pi)x+5/8
I would type the following:
y=3\pi(space bar key)x+\frac(space bar key)5(tab key)8
For a better demonstration, watch this short view.
Big Thanks to Rachel for sharing this great resource for students!
Craig M Sheil 