Hi there. This post is about inputting math here on Steemit. Since I was not able to use RMarkdown code directly into Steemit, I wanted to look for some sort of solution (other than Microsoft Word and the Snipping Tool).
This solution I propose involves using the markup language called LaTeX and then using LaTeX code to produce images with math text through the use of the QuickLaTeX website.
LaTeX is used for typing out math-related documents and it allows for outputs such as this:
Some Examples In LaTeX
As with any new language, it takes time to get used to it. Here are some examples with the code and output.
$y = x^n$\\
$2 \times 5 = 10$\\
$16 \div 8 = 2$\\
$f(x) = x^3 + 7x - 5$\\
$\cos(2\theta) + 1 = 0$\\
$\displaystyle \sum_{k = 1}^{6} k = 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 = 31$\\
$\beta = \dfrac{\alpha}{\alpha - 1}$\\
$x = \pm 1$\\
$x \leq -3$\\
Some LaTeX Resources
I am not able to memorize everything from LaTeX so I use references and guides to help me out from time to time. Here are some neat resources.
QuickLaTeX Website To Convert LaTeX To Images
Normally, LaTeX is used in programs such as TeXworks with MikiTeX for creating .pdf documents. The problem is that .pdf documents are not really ideal on Steemit.
The solution to this would be using QuickLaTeX to convert LaTeX code into images that contain math text. In the window, input your LaTeX code in there and click Render!. An output image should appear with a link below. This image/link can be used in your Steemit posts or webpage.
Hey there, thanks for this tip :)
However, I wonder about the legality of this. QuickLaTeX is "free for personal and non-commercial use [...]". But steemit practically pays its users for posting content, so I am not sure this is still "non-commercial".
I am not by any means an expert on this, so feel free to prove me wrong (please do so, I would wish to use this).
You do bring up an interesting point about legality. I'm no expert on this.
Alternatives to this include capturing screenshots of the LaTeX output from TeXWorks. Screenshots from Microsoft word with math can work too.
Yeah, I guess that would work. Screen capturing a LaTeX PDF should be perfectly fine.
Having native inline LaTeX is in the pipeline: https://beta.chainbb.com/chainbb-suggestions/@rycharde/adding-latex-functionality-for-inline-mathematical-and-scientific-notation
You can add your comment there to lend further support.
There are other Latex generators - I use codecogs - they look good for standalone equations but are misaligned when used inline.
I'll check out that post and give my input.
Codecogs looks good as it has clickable symbol icons. I sometimes forget code for certain symbols. I'll keep it in mind along with QuickLaTeX.
Ah, thank you so much! I was looking for something exactly like this :)
Nice, finally a good way to inject math into posts!
There may be other ways but I think this one is pretty good.
thanks
You are welcome.
thank for sharing! I was converting my Latex pdf files onto PNG files, you saved me a lot of time.
Great post!
You are welcome. Consider this website too: http://math.typeit.org. This website is helpful for typing in some common math symbols.
Does it supports TIks or any other graphics package? thanks!
I am not sure if you are referring to QuickLaTeX.com or Math.type it in your reply. In either case, I would not know (I am not familiar with Tlks).