# Can we have a MathJax tutorial specifically for new users?

This is something that I've had in mind since long time ago, to have a MathJax tutorial for first time users.

Users that never have write using MathJax.

And instead of seeing the whole and giant page MathJax basic tutorial and quick reference, that honestly, well a first look at it it's overwhelming maybe?..

To see only a page where specifies math commands (say up to 10-15) that you commonly see in the first years like:

If you type $\int$ will display $$\int$$

$$\implies,\frac{a}{b},...$$

and so on. This looks ugly, but it's just to clarify the idea:)

And after this, to tell them about the link MathJax basic tutorial and quick reference

• I think that's a good idea, but perhaps this can be done in the MathJax basic tutorial, where we might want to order the "answers" to be presented in "most basic help for immediate use" ... to "more specific cases, special circumstances." But I agree with the emphasis on starting with the basics; some of which could vastly improve users capacity and willingness to try mathjax, and likely improve the outcome in terms of how their posts are received. Great idea! Feb 3 at 1:27
• Often, the best thing to do around here is to just do it, and then see if it is positively received. Personally, I would like to the the "MathJax Tutorial" question turned into an actual question, with an index in the question, and links to the answers. If one of those answers were a guide for absolute beginners, coolio. Cleaning up the tutorial might be a more worthwhile project than creating something new.
– Xander Henderson Mod
Feb 3 at 1:29
• or also, kinda to split it. I don't have much time rn to point out examples but I've seen many many adavanced math symbols that you definitely don't see in the first year courses
– user486983
Feb 3 at 1:30
• There is some intro into MathJax on MO: How does one type mathematical formulas on this site? It is considerable shorter than the MathJax tutorial. If I check the comment template, it also links to basic help on mathjax notation, main meta site math tutorial and equation editing how-to. Is some of those closer to what you would like to see? Feb 3 at 7:34
• The basics you are referring to is the question part of  MathJax basic tutorial and quick reference ... Although it looks overwhelming at first, it doesn't have anything "advanced" just at the beginning. Only when the user starts to scroll down, they are presented with tables/thermodynamic squares/etc. If you plan to reduce the size of the question itself, I think that wouldn't be an optimum approach. One thing that can be done is write the formatted text and ask the user to right click and check/copy the syntax. Feb 3 at 16:55
• @MartinSleziak Hi Martin. Kinda closer to your answer here meta.mathoverflow.net/a/3764 althought with less characters. For example I think one doesn't study matrices in the first math course. And 12,13 and 8 could not be included
– user486983
Feb 3 at 18:33
• @MartinSleziak Now that I'm recalling, the first course is not calculus, or is it for some people? If not, then 10. neither
– user486983
Feb 3 at 18:41
• @allesia, yes a good number of freshman undergrads, though not the majority of them, begin with calculus I, II, or III, and, a few are even ready for DE or linear algebra as first year undergrads. Feb 3 at 19:16
• The "MathJax basic tutorial and quick reference" is rather intimidating, IMHO, and slow to load. I feel a bit uncomfortable when I link it for new members (both here & on Physics), hoping that it doesn't scare them off. It would be great to have something that's more newbie-friendly. Feb 4 at 17:40
• I like this idea very much. Most new users can benefit greatly from knowing the mathjax for just a few basic things, like integrals, vectors, limits, and infinity. Feb 7 at 22:57
• @Sigma Yes, that part I do agree with. Somebody should take responsibility and come up with a tutorial. I don't know where allesia(OP of this question) has gone, but I agree with her, and we have to make it work in a simpler fashion. Or, as Xander says, clean up the Mathjax Tutorial page, make it more of a tutorial than a question-and-answer type page. Feb 8 at 5:57
• For single commands I think Detexify would fix it. Perhaps an example could help more. I did one taking the continuity definition. "Suppose you have... you want to write... then by following the pyramid... " Feb 9 at 17:48
• Could we have a more prominent link to a tutorial from the Tour and from the Help page - maybe a help section on formatting? Feb 16 at 18:11
• @MarkBennet That would be helpful me thinks. Actually I find it somehow strange that a MathJax link is not mentioned in the Tour. Because essentially one uses it all the time. Feb 19 at 17:45