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"mtext" token element

The “mtext” element plays similar role of rendering characters like “mo” amd “mn” elements, but with a difference. It does not convey the notional or symbolic aspect of mathematical identities and numbers, which require specific presentation and manipulation to convey mathematical meaning. The “mtext” element is used to present plain text, which may be used for comments and clarification.

This element is also useful to deliver white space and mixing verbose mathematical rendering consisting of word string. For example, we would need to say “The presentation of alpha character in MathML looks like : α”.

Display with "mtext" element

<m:math display="block"> <m:mtext>The presentation of alpha character in MathML is : </m:mtext> <m:mi>&alpha;</m:mi> </m:math>

Save the file after editing as “test4.xml”. The display looks like :

The presentation of alpha character in MathML is : α

Though “mtext” element manages the empty space within the string of words, but not around it. In order to enhance, readability, style and presentation, we may add empty space, using "&ThinSpace" entity character.

Display with "mtext" element

<m:math display="block"> <m:mtext>The presentation of alpha character in MathML is : &ThinSpace; </m:mtext> <m:mi>&alpha;</m:mi> </m:math>

Save the file after editing as “test4.xml”. The display looks like :

The presentation of alpha character in MathML is :   α

Color and size management of the content of “mtext” element is implemented with the common attributes of the token element i.e. mathvariant, mathsize, mathcolor and mathbackground directly on "mtext" element.

Display with "mtext" element

<m:math display="block"> <m:mtext mathvariant='bold' mathcolor='#fff' mathsize='12pt' mathbackground='#f55'> Example : </m:mtext> <m:mtext mathsize='10pt'> The above example illustrates application of “mfrac” element. </m:mtext> </m:math>

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

Example : This example illustrates application of theorem.

In general, mixing of text with mathematics may be implemented, using any of the three possibilities discussed here. First, we can rely on the rendering facility of the document in which “MathML” is embedded. This document could be any valid “xml” document, including HTML. Second, we may use the text rendering by “mtext” element as explained above. This is appropriate for text, which is neither the part of the general text flow in the document nor the part of the notional display of mathematical expression. It suits the requirement of text rendering, used for qualifying mathematical expression or comments. Third, displaying text with “mi” element, which is inline with the mathematical expression or a part of it.

"mspace" token element

    Attribute value types

  • width (default : "0em"): number h-unit | namedspace
  • height (default : "0ex"): number v-unit
  • depth (default : "0ex"): number v-unit
  • linebreak (default : "auto"): auto | newline | indentingnewline | nobreak | goodbreak | badbreak

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Source:  OpenStax, A primer in mathml. OpenStax CNX. Apr 19, 2006 Download for free at http://cnx.org/content/col10345/1.16
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