How to insert an equation with fractions, square roots and exponents

Word 365 2013 2010 2007 2003
This tip displays how to add an equation with fractions, square roots and exponents, for example, the normal or Gaussian distribution.

How to add an equation in your document, see Working with Microsoft Equation.

To insert, for example, the normal, or Gaussian distribution, do the following:

In the Professional format:

   1.   In your own equation, enter f(x)=.

   2.   Under Equation Tools, on the Design tab, in the Structures group, click the Fraction button:

Fraction button in Word 2016

In the Fraction list choose Stacked Fraction:

Stacked Fraction in Word 2016

   3.   Enter 1 at the top of your fraction.

   4.   In the bottom of your fraction, do the following:

   4.1.   Under Equation Tools, on the Design tab, in the Structures group, click the Radical button. In the Radicals list choose Square root:

Square root in Word 2016

   4.2.   Enter 2.

   4.3.   Under Equation Tools, on the Design tab, in the Symbols group, click the More button:

More symbols in Word 2016

In the list of symbols choose:

Basic Math in Word 2016

   4.4.   Under Equation Tools, on the Design tab, in the Structures group, click the Script button. In the Scripts and Superscripts list choose Superscript:

Script in Word 2016

   4.5.   In the base box of the script, choose Sigma symbol in equations Word 2016.

   4.6.   In the upper right box of the script, enter 2.

   5.   In the left of your formula choose Script again to enter e in the base box, in the upper right box enter - and choose Fraction again, etc.:

Normal or Gaussian distribution in Word 2016

In the Linear format:

   1.   In your own equation, enter f(x)=1/.

   2.   Under Equation Tools, on the Design tab, in the Symbols group, choose Radical sign in equations Word 2016 or simply \sqrt.

   3.   In the brackets enter 2  Pi symbol in equations Word 2016 (or \pi), Sigma symbol in equations Word 2016 (or \sigma) and ^2:

First linear part in Word 2016

Then you enter a space key, this linear formula transformed to the professional format:

First part in Word 2016

   4.   Enter e^(-(x-  Mu symbol in equations Word 2016 (or \mu), )^2/(2, Sigma symbol in equations Word 2016 (or \sigma) and then ^2)):

second linear part in Word 2016

Then you enter a space key, the second part of your linear formula transformed to the professional format:

second part in Word 2016

See also how to create other types of equations.

See also this tip in French: Comment insérer une équation avec des fractions, des racines carrées et des exposants.

Please, disable AdBlock and reload the page to continue

Today, 30% of our visitors use Ad-Block to block ads.We understand your pain with ads, but without ads, we won't be able to provide you with free content soon. If you need our content for work or study, please support our efforts and disable AdBlock for our site. As you will see, we have a lot of helpful information to share.