# Learn math notation for this site [duplicate]

What is the name of the language used to display math on this site, and how do I learn it?

Is there a post with the basics? I find myself going to the page source to see how others have typed it. Or are there any shortcuts or tricks?

• The software is MathJax, but the language is $\TeX$. Feb 10 '15 at 16:00
• I found this useful when I started. artofproblemsolving.com/Wiki/index.php/LaTeX:About
– Joel
Feb 10 '15 at 16:05
• This is the most helpful possible resource on this, IMHO: codecogs.com/latex/eqneditor.php. You'll start out using it all the time, but as you start to see more and more what LaTeX looks like, you'll start being able to just read and write it like the guy on the matrix looking at the green text.
– crf
Feb 10 '15 at 16:08
• For some basic information about writing math at this site see e.g. here, here, here and here. Feb 10 '15 at 20:45

The Thing used to display math on this site is called mathjax

Here's a post which can be of help: MathJax basic tutorial and quick reference

• Thank you. I am glad you answered before the site police put this on hold. It is a basic question about the use of this site, and should be here, not on the meta site, because many people don't know about the meta site, and it is more convenient here.
– JLee
Feb 10 '15 at 16:00
• @JLee, no, it would be better on meta. The main site is for math questions, the meta is for questions and issues regarding the main site. The correct statement is "the meta site should be publicized much more vigorously", which is clearly true. In any event, you have learned a valuable lesson; namely, always search the site for answers before posting a question, and always do the same on meta if it seems likely the question will have been asked on meta. Feb 10 '15 at 16:04
• I agree with @JLee, it should be blindingly obvious where the MathJax reference, tutorials, etc. are to be found. I am no stranger to the site, but it takes a while to find it. Feb 10 '15 at 16:07
• I (we?) need to be able to search the site itself for the basics, and not have to go elsewhere. Maybe the basics, like TeX could be under another link at the top, Questions, Tags, Users, Badges, Basics. Yeah?
– JLee
Feb 10 '15 at 16:08
• @copper.hat seconded, we need MathJax tutorial link prominent on the main help page. Feb 10 '15 at 16:24
• I will just point out that help center contains the link to some relevant posts on meta: math.stackexchange.com/help/notation (Whether this information should be have more visibility and whether those links should be placed to some other places in addition to this is for discussion.) Feb 10 '15 at 20:48