<< Chapter < Page Chapter >> Page >
The topmost element in mathML is "math" element.

We need to display mathematics in different situations and in different ways. When we do not specify how to display the content, then “math” element simply displays the mathematical content starting from the left side of the browser. We can, however, specify display by providing values to the “display” attribute of math element. This attribute takes two values : "inline" and "block".

It must be emphasized that "math" element is the top level element and serves as the constructor for all MathML elements. A MathML mark ups without this top level element would result in implementation error.

Inline display

Let us consider the implementation of "math" element with its "display" attribute set to the value "inline". The starting tag of "math" element looks like<m:math display="inline">:

Inline display

<m:math display="inline"><m:mrow><m:mi mathvariant="bold">v</m:mi><m:mo>=</m:mo><m:mfrac><m:mi mathvariant="bold">AB</m:mi><m:mi>t</m:mi></m:mfrac></m:mrow></m:math>

Save the file after editing as “test.xml”. The display looks like :

v = AB t

Now, we edit the above file, making a single change. We specify the start tag of the "math" element as<m:math>. We find that the display of the content in the browser with the edit affected is same as when "display" attribute was given "inline" value. This is because, the attribute value “inline” is actually the default value of “math” element. However, this left hand display in the browser is not the main feature of "inline" specification. More importantly, "inline" attribute allows us to display the math content embedded right into the bulk of text. See the code below to display two subscripted variables (for the time being, do not bother to know the elements used). Just copy the code and paste the same in a new MS Word document and save as “test.xml”. The display in the MathML enabled browser is shown in the example here :

Inline display

<para id="para1" The object is moving with two different speeds<m:math display="inline"><m:msubsup><m:mi>v</m:mi><m:mn>1</m:mn><m:mrow/></m:msubsup></m:math>and<m:math display="inline"><m:msubsup><m:mi>v</m:mi><m:mn>2</m:mn><m:mrow/></m:msubsup></m:math>in two equal time intervals. Find the average speed.</para>

The display looks like :

The object is moving with two different speeds v 1 and v 2 in two equal time intervals. Find the average speed.

Block display

Normally, mathematical content is displayed separated from the body of text as a block. To facilitate this display, we need to provide "block" value to "display" attribute of the "math" element.

Block display

The velocity is mathematically expressed in terms of displacement and time as :<m:math display="block"><m:mrow><m:mi mathvariant="bold">v</m:mi><m:mo>=</m:mo><m:mfrac><m:mi mathvariant="bold">AB</m:mi><m:mi>t</m:mi></m:mfrac></m:mrow></m:math>

Save the file after editing as “test.xml”. Note that the main body of the text is clearly separated from body of the text.

The velocity is mathematically expressed in terms of displacement and time as : v = AB t

Get Jobilize Job Search Mobile App in your pocket Now!

Get it on Google Play Download on the App Store Now




Source:  OpenStax, A primer in mathml. OpenStax CNX. Apr 19, 2006 Download for free at http://cnx.org/content/col10345/1.16
Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google Inc.

Notification Switch

Would you like to follow the 'A primer in mathml' conversation and receive update notifications?

Ask