Microsoft offers multiple ways to solve simple and complex mathematical problems in Windows. In our article, we have explained how to enable and use Math Solver tool in Microsoft Edge browser. Another option is to use Math Assistant in OneNote if you are using OneNote frequently for taking and sharing notes.
Math Assistant in OneNote for Windows 10 App
This tool is only available in Microsoft 365 subscription as part of OneNote for Windows 10 version. Remember, you will see two apps – OneNote and OneNote for Windows 10 in your computer. Make sure to open OneNote for Windows 10 app and not the OneNote app.
Since OneNote for Windows 10 is a separate app not part of Microsoft 365 subscription, you should connect with your Microsoft 365 subscription account to see Math features in the app. Otherwise, you will not see the feature and you can switch the account by navigating to “Three horizontal dots on top right corner > Settings > Accounts” section.
Typing Math Equation in OneNote for Windows 10
The first step is to type your math problem and you have multiple options for that. You can simply type the problem if it is a simple linear equation like 3x + 2y = 10. However, for using complex math operator symbols like integrals, fractions or radicals, you need to go for one of the other two methods – Equation editor or Ink to Math feature.
Using Equation Editor in OneNote
Go to “Insert” menu and click on “Equation” option to open equation editor in OneNote. The editor contains three tabs – recent, symbols and structures. For using template structures, go to “Structures” tab and use one of the predefined formats.
Alternatively, go to “Symbols” tab and use the available math symbols to create your own equations.
Using Ink to Math Feature
We recommend using this option to avoid mistakes in recognition and when you need to type multiple equations as part of the problem. This is also especially easy with touch screen or touch keyboard computers. Go to “Draw” menu in OneNote and click on one of the available color pencils. Start handwriting your problems in the text area.
Solving Math Problems in OneNote
Now that you have typed or written your problem and the next step is to find the solution. If you have used ink writing, then you first need to convert the ink to math using lasso select tool. Click on the “Lasso Select” tool showing as a circle with + mark under “Draw” menu. Use your mouse to draw a circle around the equations to select them. Finally, click on the “Math” option to see the Math Assistant in the sidebar.
If your Math Assistant does not recognize the problems, then use different pencil to write your equations. For example, the above equations written using yellow 6mm pencil are not recognized. Hence, we use red 0.5mm pencil to write the equations and select them with lasso select tool. when clicking on the “Math” option, the Math Assistant recognizes the equations and show in the sidebar like below.
However, the first equation is not recognized correctly and shown with mistakes. To correct the problems, click “Fix it” link and select the mistaken area in the problem. The Math Assistant will show suggestions and select the correct item from the list. In our case, + 2y was mistakenly recognized as the power and we can simply select 2y or 3x + 2y and correct the mistake.
You will see the final problem equations show like below and click on “Ink to Math” link. This will convert your ink writing to proper typed text in equation editor.
Note that if you have typed the problem with normal keyboard or using equation editor, then clicking on “Math” option will automatically recognize the text and show them in the sidebar. In such cases, no need of using ink feature at all.
When the problem equations are shown correctly in Math Assistant, click on the “Select an action” dropdown. In our case, we select “Solve for x, y” to find the answer from x and y from the problem equations.
Math Assistant in OneNote will instantly solve the problem for you and show the values for X and Y.
Click on “Show steps” to view the available methods to solve the problem. In our case, we have multiple methods like substitution, matrices and elimination. Click on each method to view the step-by-step instructions to derive the answer. The best part is that you can drag the step-by-step instructions and add the content to your notes.
Now that you have the problem equations and solution in a neat note which you can share with anyone. Teachers can make use of “Class Notebook” feature to review students work in OneNote. However, this option is to be enabled under “Settings > Options > Class Notebook tools” section.
Math Assistant Settings
Click on the “Settings” option showing at the bottom right corner of the Math Assistant sidebar. This will show additional options for changing the angle measurements in degrees ,radians or gradians and solve for real or complex numbers.
Final Words
Math Assistant is one of the useful tools in OneNote for solving math problems and add solutions in your notes. You can type or use equation editor to input the problems. When using ink handwriting, the recognition problems happen due to unclear handwriting or due to using thick pencil. We have explained the recognition issue for understanding purpose, however, you can practice some time to write perfect equations and convert using Ink to Math feature.
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