Use MathJax and LaTeX to Display Equations in Canvas

Last updated on July 15, 2022

Many courses depend on the ability to share accurate and accessible equations, however mathematical equations can be difficult to render in a virtual environment. Fortunately, Canvas has integrated MathJax and LaTeX into the text editor to make this process easy. This also has the added benefit of making equations more accessible to students using screen-readers than those typed with basic keyboard characters.

Directions

1. Go to MSU Denver’s Faculty and Staff Hub.
2. Click Canvas in the Teaching & Learning section.
3. Log in to your Canvas Account.
4. Select the Course you’d like to work in.
5. Locate a Text Field where you would like to put an equation.
6. Type the appropriate Delimiter to signal that the equation should be rendered in LaTeX.
   • \( and \) should be used for equations that are meant to be displayed inline with text.
   • $$ should be used for equations that are meant to be displayed in separate blocks.
7. Type the Equation between the delimiters.
   • Ex: \(2+2=4\) for inline text or $$2+2=4$$ for block text
8. Click Save for whatever text field you are working in.
9. Check that the Equation is being displayed correctly.