Creating math-rich content for digital and print formats is no small feat, especially when your audience includes thousands of educators and students across Australia and New Zealand. For Cambridge HOTmaths, producing visually accurate and accessible math content was a major challenge. That changed with MathType, a powerful equation editor by Wiris that allows users to create and edit mathematical notation across digital and print platforms. It integrates seamlessly with tools like Microsoft Word and supports LaTeX, making it ideal for educators and content creators.
In this success story, you’ll learn how MathType revolutionized content creation at Cambridge HOTmaths, giving their editors full control and efficiency while enhancing accessibility and output quality.
Meeting the Challenge in Digital Math Publishing
Before using MathType, the process at Cambridge HOTmaths involved:
Inserting individual images for each math fraction or expression
Relying on graphic designers for any edits
Managing inconsistent formatting and accessibility issues
“We previously used images for calculations and fractions, which had to be sent to the graphic artist for any amendments or corrections,” explains Penny Redfearn, Content Manager at Cambridge HOTmaths.
Transition to Better Math Content Creation
The adoption of MathType marked a turning point. With MathType, the content team gained full control over equation editing directly within Microsoft Word. Editors no longer had to manually insert and align each fraction image: they could type everything as if it were regular text. “The editors no longer need to insert each fraction individually as an image and centre it. We have full control of creating maths content involving calculations”, affirms Penny.
Additionally, the transition to LaTeX-based output with MathType significantly improved web accessibility. “Replacing images with LaTeX improved our website accessibility significantly.”
How MathType Fits Into Their Workflow
Cambridge HOTmaths uses MathType in two primary ways:
Microsoft Word Worksheets: MathType is used to insert all math expressions directly into documents, which are then exported to PDF for distribution.
Website Equations: MathType helps generate LaTeX that can be adjusted and integrated into their platform’s custom LaTeX math editor.
While some final LaTeX tweaks are still made manually, MathType provides an efficient starting point. “We often use MathType to give us a LaTeX template and then we can fit with it”, says Penny. MathType has become an essential LaTeX math editor for the team, streamlining both print and web-based equation creation.
The Right Education Math Tools for the Right Roles
Only a small team at Cambridge HOTmaths is responsible for content creation, making usability and reliability essential. MathType’s consistency, style settings, and shortcut support proved invaluable. “We’ve got styles set up so that everything’s consistent every time we create a new equation in the document.” Among the many education math tools available, MathType stood out for its balance of functionality, consistency, and ease of use.
The team relies on shortcut keys (e.g., Ctrl+H for superscript, Ctrl+L for subscript), making equation writing quick and intuitive. “I’ve been using MathType ever since it was created… it’s been great.”
Redefining Math Content Creation in Education
For Cambridge HOTmaths, MathType is more than a math editor. It’s a productivity booster, accessibility enhancer, and creative enabler. Its integration into their publishing workflow has helped streamline content creation, reduce reliance on graphic designers, and ensure consistent math presentation across print and web formats.
With their sights set on expanding interactivity and user engagement, MathType and the wider Wiris ecosystem are well-positioned to support Cambridge HOTmaths as they continue leading math education innovation.
Want to explore how MathType or WirisQuizzes can support your institution’s math content creation and assessment needs?
In today’s data-driven world, math content has become a core asset for innovation, communication, and decision-making. Whether you’re designing algorithms, explaining a financial model, or building educational materials, math writing plays a key role in turning complex ideas into actionable insights.
Creating accurate, clear, and accessible math content is no longer a task limited to academia: it is a necessity for sectors that rely on precision and knowledge transfer.
Where Math Content Creation Matters Most
Numerous industries and knowledge domains depend on the ability to produce, adapt, and distribute high-quality math content:
Education and EdTech
In the educational ecosystem, math content creation is foundational to the learning experience. Teachers, curriculum designers, edtech developers, and instructional designers rely heavily on precise math writing to prepare lesson plans, assessments, and interactive digital resources. From primary education to advanced university-level courses, the clarity of mathematical expressions can directly impact student comprehension and performance.
Moreover, in EdTech platforms, the challenge is not only pedagogical but also technological: math equations must be compatible with multiple devices, formats, and learning management systems (LMS). An efficient math editor empowers educators to quickly create, edit, and share content that maintains its structure and meaning across platforms. In this context, robust math content creation tools are essential to promote equity, consistency, and accessibility in modern education.
Example of math formula written with Wiris’ MathType
Scientific Communication and Research
Research in fields like physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics relies on formalized, structured math writing to present hypotheses, validate results, and communicate findings. From peer-reviewed journals to preprints and grant applications, the presentation of math content can influence not only understanding but also the perceived credibility and professionalism of the work.
In scientific communication, reproducibility is key, and that begins with clear, accurate notation. A powerful math editor allows researchers to format complex expressions with ease, whether writing in LaTeX or using WYSIWYG interfaces. Additionally, the ability to produce accessible and well-structured math content supports broader dissemination and interdisciplinary collaboration, enabling scientists to reach audiences beyond their immediate field.
Engineering and Technical Fields
Engineers and technical professionals deal with complex models, formulas and simulations daily. Whether it’s civil, mechanical, electrical or software engineering, math writing is central to documenting calculations, designing systems and validating outcomes. A minor error in notation can lead to misunderstandings or costly consequences in design and implementation.
Creating high-quality math content in this context requires precision, standardization, and compatibility with technical documentation tools. An advanced math editor enables teams to present formulas clearly, integrate them into CAD documentation or specifications, and ensure that the mathematical logic behind a project is both transparent and reproducible. In collaborative engineering environments, clarity in math content helps avoid ambiguity and streamlines review and approval processes.
Economics and Finance
In economics and financial analysis, mathematics is the language of logic and prediction. Economists, analysts, and consultants must build models, define formulas, and perform complex calculations that underpin reports, forecasts, and strategic decisions. The credibility of these outputs often depends not just on the numbers but on how clearly the underlying methodology is communicated.
Effective math writing is crucial to ensure that stakeholders -be they clients, regulators, or internal teams- understand and trust the content being presented. A professional math editor facilitates the creation of visually coherent, publication-ready equations that can be embedded in reports, dashboards or academic publications. By investing in better math content practices, financial institutions and think tanks can enhance transparency and drive data-informed decisions.
Corporate Innovation and Data Teams
In corporate environments, especially within innovation, R&D, and data science teams, math content is integral to documenting algorithms, models, and analytical frameworks. These teams often work cross-functionally with product managers, developers, and decision-makers, making it essential to express complex logic in a format that is both technically correct and easily interpretable.
Whether it’s machine learning formulas, operational models, or optimization strategies, professional math writing improves internal communication and project documentation. A reliable math editor can help standardize the way mathematical reasoning is presented across teams and documents, accelerating onboarding, compliance, and strategic planning. As companies increasingly rely on data-driven methodologies, structured math content becomes a competitive advantage.
The Value of Clear and Consistent Math Writing
High-quality math writing opens the door to significant strategic advantages for any organization. When math content is clear, accessible, and professionally formatted:
Technical data is interpreted correctly, enabling informed decision-making across teams and stakeholders.
Research and analysis are communicated clearly, enhancing dissemination, credibility, and engagement with diverse audiences.
Efficiency improves, as well-formatted math content reduces the need for time-consuming corrections and rework.
Cross-functional collaboration becomes easier since standardized content facilitates understanding between departments, institutions, or international partners.
By prioritizing structured and coherent math content, organizations position themselves for success in education, research, development, and beyond.
MathType: A Math Editor Designed for Today’s Needs
Once we acknowledge the strategic value of math content, the next step is choosing the right tool to support it. MathTypeis the world’s leading equation editor that allows you to write math notation as easily as you write text. Trusted by educators, researchers and professionals across the globe, it is used by K-12 and university STEM students and faculty worldwide.
Here’s why:
Seamless math writing experience. MathType enables professionals to write equations as intuitively as regular text. Whether using a keyboard, mouse, or stylus, it adapts to your workflow.
500+ mathematical symbols and structures MathType offers an extensive symbol library covering arithmetic, algebra, calculus, logic, and more. This allows users to express even the most complex mathematical concepts accurately, avoiding improvisations or workarounds that compromise clarity.
AI-powered handwriting recognition Users can handwrite equations using a stylus or touch interface, and MathType will instantly convert them into digital math expressions. This accelerates math writing and bridges the gap between traditional note-taking and digital editing.
Export in high-quality formats: SVG, PNG, PDF MathType generates visually clean equations that can be exported in multiple file formats. Whether for web, print, or presentation use, the quality remains intact, making your math content consistent across platforms.
Accessibility-compliant outputs The editor ensures all math expressions meet accessibility standards, supporting screen readers and enabling inclusive communication. This is crucial for educational institutions and public sector projects with accessibility requirements.
Integration and customization MathType integrates with LMS, CMS, HTML/XML editors, and supports customizable formats, making it ideal for scalable projects and diverse user needs.
Support for LaTeX and MathML Ensure compatibility with standard math markup languages used in academic, technical, and publishing environments.
Includes ChemType for chemistry notation Edit and format chemical equations with a dedicated toolbar for editing inorganic chemistry notation, supporting scientific professionals with highly specific formatting needs.
Example of chemical formula written with Wiris’ MathType
Invest in Smarter Math Content Creation
In a world where precision, clarity, and accessibility are essential, organizations can no longer treat math writing as an afterthought. Whether you’re educating future scientists, validating engineering designs, or presenting complex financial models, the quality of your math content directly impacts how your message is understood, trusted, and acted upon.
Adopting a professional-grade math editor is not just a matter of convenience: it’s a strategic decision that supports consistency, collaboration, and efficiency across the organization.
When discussing fundamental mathematical constants, pi often takes the spotlight. However, another number, equally vital yet less celebrated, is Euler’s number e. Known simply as e, this constant appears in countless mathematical contexts and real-world applications. In this article, we will explore the origin, properties, and applications of e, positioning it as an indispensable tool in the worlds of mathematics, science, and finance.
What Is Euler’s Number e?
Euler’s number e is an irrational and transcendental number, approximately equal to 2.71828. It serves as the base of natural logarithms and arises naturally in various growth processes and limit calculations.
The Origin of e: A Practical Example
Consider the following real-life scenario: Imagine a bank offering a 100% annual interest rate on a principal investment of 1€. If interest is compounded once at the end of the year, you would have 2€. However, if the bank compounds interest semiannually at 50% every six months, the calculation changes:
After six months: 1€ × 1.5 = 1.5€
After another six months: 1.5€ × 1.5 = 2.25€
Now, let’s divide the year into three periods of four months each, applying an interest rate of 33.33% every four months:
After four months: 1€ × 1.33 = 1.3333€
After eight months: 1.3333€ × 1.3333 ≈ 1.7777€
After twelve months: 1.7777€ × 1.3333 ≈ 2.3703€
So, if you receive infinite payments, will you have infinite money? Unfortunately, the answer is no. As the frequency increases -from quarterly to monthly, to daily, and beyond- the final amount approaches a limit. The formula to calculate this is:
Image created with Wiris’ MathType
As n approaches infinity, the value converges to e. This simple yet powerful example demonstrates the natural emergence of e in exponential growth, explaining its foundational role in continuous compounding interest models.
Fundamental Properties of e Number
Irrationality: e cannot be expressed as a simple fraction.
Transcendence: e is not a root of any non-zero polynomial equation with rational coefficients.
Infinite Series: e can be represented as the sum of the infinite series:
Image created with Wiris’ MathType
Natural Logarithm Base: The function uses e as its base, integral to calculus and natural growth models.
Euler’s Identity: Considered one of the most beautiful equations in mathematics:
eiπ + 1 = 0
This equation elegantly connects five fundamental mathematical constants: 0, 1, e, i, and π.
Applications Across Disciplines
Euler’s number e is not only a fundamental constant in pure mathematics but also plays a pivotal role in a range of practical applications across various scientific and technological fields. From modeling growth processes to risk management, e is indispensable in understanding and predicting complex phenomena.
In Mathematics
Calculus: Euler’s number is central to calculus, particularly in the context of exponential growth and decay. One of the most important properties of e is that the derivative of the function ex is ex itself. This unique property makes it extremely useful in solving differential equations that describe dynamic systems, such as population growth, radioactive decay, and heat transfer. It simplifies the analysis of these systems because the function is self-replicating under differentiation.
Complex numbers: Euler’s formula, eix = cos(x) + isin(x), is one of the most profound equations in mathematics, linking exponential functions with trigonometric functions. This relationship is crucial in fields like electrical engineering and signal processing, where it simplifies the analysis of oscillating systems and waveforms. It allows for a more intuitive understanding of rotations and oscillations in the complex plane.
In Physics
Radioactive decay: The process of radioactive decay follows an exponential law, which can be modeled using e. The amount of a radioactive substance remaining after a certain period is given by the equation N(t) = N0eλt, where N(t) is the amount of substance at time t, N(t) is the initial amount, and λ is the decay constant. This model is used to predict the behavior of radioactive materials over time, which has applications in medicine (e.g., radiology), archaeology (e.g., carbon dating), and nuclear physics.
Thermodynamics: In thermodynamics, the Boltzmann factor (see image below) is essential for determining the probability of a system being in a particular energy state, where 𝐸 is the energy, 𝑘 is the Boltzmann constant, and 𝑇 is the temperature. This exponential relationship is vital in understanding systems in equilibrium, such as the distribution of particles in gases or the behavior of molecules in biological processes.
In Economics and Finance
Continuous compounding: One of the most common uses of e is in the calculation of continuously compounded interest. If interest is compounded continuously rather than at discrete intervals, the formula for the accumulated value of an investment becomes A = Pert, where 𝑃 is the initial investment, 𝑟 is the interest rate, and 𝑡 is the time in years. This formula highlights how the frequency of compounding approaches a limit, with e representing the limit as compounding becomes continuous. It is fundamental in understanding the long-term growth of investments and savings.
Risk models: Financial models such as the Black-Scholes model for option pricing rely heavily on e to account for the stochastic nature of asset prices. The formula for option pricing involves exponential functions to model how the price of an option evolves over time. e also plays a key role in various risk models, including Value at Risk (VaR) calculations, where it helps quantify the likelihood of extreme losses in investment portfolios.
In Technology
Algorithms: Euler’s number is used in algorithmic analysis, particularly when analyzing the performance of algorithms that exhibit exponential growth. For instance, certain random processes and algorithms, such as the analysis of QuickSort (a widely used sorting algorithm), can involve e. Specifically, in probabilistic algorithms and complexity theory, e appears in the expected running time of algorithms, as they often follow exponential distributions or involve recursive calculations that converge to e.
Machine learning and data science: In machine learning, e is frequently involved in algorithms that model growth processes or in optimization algorithms that use exponential decay to adjust parameters over time. For instance, in gradient descent, which is used to find the minimum of a function, learning rates may decay exponentially based on e to optimize performance and prevent overshooting.
In Biology and Medicine
Population growth: One of the most well-known real-world applications of e is in modeling population growth. When populations grow in ideal conditions (without external limitations), the number of individuals follows an exponential growth curve, which is modeled by the equation, P(t) = P0ert where 𝑃(𝑡) is the population at time 𝑡, P0is the initial population, and 𝑟 is the growth rate. This principle is not only relevant to ecology but also helps in understanding the spread of diseases in epidemiology.
Pharmacokinetics: The exponential decay model is also used in pharmacokinetics, which studies how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted by the body. The concentration of a drug in the bloodstream over time often follows an exponential decay, and the parameter governing the decay is related to e. This helps in determining dosing schedules for medications to ensure therapeutic levels are maintained without causing toxicity.
Visualizing Euler’s Number e with Wiris’ Digital Tools
As digital solutions advance, tools like MathType and CalcMe empower users to work effortlessly with e and other complex mathematical expressions. Whether you’re a researcher, educator, or professional, integrating these Wiris’ technologies into your workflow ensures precision and efficiency.
For instance, to deepen the understanding of e’s behavior, one can visualize the limit expression
using graphing tools such as CalcMe, a Computer Assisted System (CAS) for algebraic manipulation that allows complex mathematical calculations to be carried over in a self-contained, fast and intuitive way. As increases, the graph approaches the value of number e, offering an intuitive graphical demonstration of this mathematical limit.
Additionally, MathType, the world’s leading equation editor that allows you to write math notation as easily as you write text, enables seamless insertion of complex mathematical expressions into documents and web content, ensuring clarity and precision.
Graph showing the function (1+1/x)xin red, approaching the value of e in blue.
Perfect for students, teachers, editors, and technical writers, MathType streamlines the creation of high-quality technical and scientific content across various platforms.
For seamless handling of mathematical expressions and visualizations, consider incorporating both MathType and CalcMe into your digital toolkit.
