How to Make Math Symbols on Your Mac (OS X)

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methods

1 Use the Keyboard Viewer App on the Apple Menu bar

2 Using the Keyboard Viewer App on the Apple Menu bar

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Last Updated: February 2, 2024

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Are you planning to write up a math-related article or document but lost when it comes to the symbols? Learn how to type mathematical symbols using the Keyboard Viewer in Macintosh System OS X.

Steps

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Use the Keyboard Viewer App on the Apple Menu bar

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1. 
   1
   Look for the following icon on the topmost menu bar with the Finder active:.

   • Click on it and hold the mouse button down.
2. 
   2
   Scroll down to "Show Emoji and Symbols".
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3. 
   3
   Click on "Math Symbols" menu item.
4. 
   4
   Select the part of your document where you want the math symbol to be placed. Do this by positioning the cursor there with the mouse via insertion.
5. 
   5
   Double-click on the math symbol you want in the Keyboard Viewer. For example, the "∞" symbol. You may want to select from the various font options available on the right.

   • You can also use the "Add to Favorites" button. In the upper right, click on the Add to Favorites button.
6. 
   6
   Click on the Favorites menu item.

   • Double-click on the "∞" infinity icon key.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using the Keyboard Viewer App on the Apple Menu bar

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1. 
   1
   Look for the following icon on the topmost menu bar with the Finder active:.

   • Click on it and hold the mouse button down.
   • Scroll down to "Show Keyboard Viewer".
2. 
   2
   Choose from the special key options also available when holding the Option, Command. Control and Shift keys, and combinations thereof.
3. 
   3
   Holding down the Shift and Option keys and selecting the k key, you can obtain the "" apple symbol icon key for example.
4. 
   4
   Hold down the Option and p keys to obtain the "π" pi symbol icon key.

   • Other keys that are available this way in option pairs are the + ±, = ≠, < ¯, > ˘, ? ¿, d ∂, f ƒ, w ∑, j ∆ ,key-pairs etc. Also of use is the Null set, {ø}, available from the o key and option or Shift+Option = Ø. The degrees symbol is useful in trigonometry, from the zero key and option: 0º, or 90º ... and for temperatures of course.
   • Final Image:
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Community Q&A

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• Question

  How do I incorporate exponents on a Mac?

  

  Shamitha Kuppala

  Community Answer

  There are two great ways to write exponents on a Mac! First, you can use the classic caret symbol (above the 6) by pressing the shift key and 6. Second, many specific writing platforms (such as Apple's Pages and Google Docs) have the option of using a superscript, which helps you write something in the exponent's position. This superscript option can often be found in the "Tools" or similar sections.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

  Yes No

  Not Helpful 6 Helpful 1
• Question

  Where is equal sign on Mac, and how do I use it?

  

  Zzzsleepy0987

  Community Answer

  The equal sign is to the left of the delete button. There is no need to press Shift.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

  Yes No

  Not Helpful 2 Helpful 3
• Question

  Is there a method that doesn't involve using the keyboard viewer?

  

  Bustertiko

  Community Answer

  If you don't want to use the keyboard viewer, then you can search for the symbol online and copy and paste it. If you want to make the keyboard viewer show up then go to Settings, Keyboard, and if it's disabled, then enable 'Show keyboard and emoji viewers in menu bar'. Alternatively, you could do the command: "⌘⌃Space" (Command+Control+Space).

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

  Yes No

  Not Helpful 0 Helpful 5

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