Let's write our own help page for our use of MathJax. Here is a start. It is based on Stack Overflow's own [Markdown editing help][1], the FAQ for typing math [on math.SE][2] and [Math Overflow][3], and "Using LaTeX" on [ask NRICH][4].

Characters in ***`bold italics`*** indicate highlighting.

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# [MathJax](http://www.mathjax.org/) turns LaTeX markup into beautiful formulae

This site supports typesetting mathematical formula with AMS-LaTeX markup, powered by the MathJax rendering engine. 

## Entering math mode 

Surround the TeX code with dollar signs to insert an inline equation

<pre>The integers <b><i>$</i></b>x,y,z<b><i>$</i></b> form a Pythagorean triplet when <b><i>$</i></b>x^2 + y^2 = z^2<b><i>$</i></b>.</pre>

and use double dollar signs to insert an equation in its own line

<pre>The Bessel functions $J_n(x)$ and $Y_n(x)$ are
solutions to the Bessel equation
<b><i>$$</i></b> x^2 y'' + x y' + (x^2 - n^2) y = 0 <b><i>$$</i></b>
where $n$ is a constant.</pre>

## Basic LaTeX markup

* Superscript and subscript — `x^2`, `a_n`, `a_{n+1}`, `H_n^{(2)}`

* Spacing — `a\ b` (text space). [Other spacing][5].

* Square root and radicals — `\sqrt{x}`, `\sqrt[3]{x}`

* Fraction — `\frac{a}{b}`

* Sum and integral — `\sum_{k=0}^n k^2`, `\int_0^1 x^3 dx`

* Greek letters — `\alpha` (&alpha;) to `\omega` (&omega;); `\Gamma` (&Gamma;) to `\Omega` (&Omega;)

* Symbols — `\ne` (≠), `\ge` (≥), `\le` (≤), `\sim` (&sim;), `\pm` (±), `\to` (&rarr;), `\infty` (&infin;) etc.

* Function names — `\sin`, `\cos`, `\log`, `\lim`, etc.

Visit [Detexify<sup>2</sup>](http://detexify.kirelabs.org/classify.html) to lookup command for a symbol.

Check [the MathJax documentation](http://www.mathjax.org/resources/docs/?tex.html#supported-latex-commands) for the complete list of commands supported.

## Show source

Right-clicking on any equations should reveal a context menu. Clicking "Show source" will open up a new window showing the LaTeX markup that generates it.

## Need More Detail?

[The Not So Short Introduction to LaTeX2e](http://www.ctan.org/tex-archive/info/lshort/english/lshort.pdf) is a good beginner's guide on the LaTeX system.


  [1]: http://meta.stackoverflow.com/editing-help
  [2]: http://meta.math.stackexchange.com/questions/107/faq-for-math-stackexchange/117#117
  [3]: http://mathoverflow.net/faq#latex
  [4]: https://nrich.maths.org/discus/messages/24097/66497.html
  [5]: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Displaying_a_formula#Spacing