How to insert an equation with fractions, square roots and exponents
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. On the Equation tab, in the Structures group, click the Fraction button:
![Fraction button in Word for Microsoft 365 Fraction button in Word 365](/images/tips/equation365/fraction_button.png)
In the Fraction list choose Stacked Fraction:
![Stacked Fraction in Word for Microsoft 365 Stacked Fraction in Word 365](/images/tips/equation365/fraction.png)
3. Enter 1 at the top of your fraction.
4. In the bottom of your fraction, do the following:
4.1. On the Equation tab, in the Structures group, click the Radical button. In the Radicals list choose Square root:
![Square root in Word for Microsoft 365 Square root in Word 365](/images/tips/equation365/square_root.png)
4.2. Enter 2.
4.3. On the Equation tab, in the Symbols group, click the More button:
![More symbols in Word for Microsoft 365 More symbols in Word 365](/images/tips/equation365/symbols.png)
In the list of symbols choose:
![Basic Math in Word for Microsoft 365 Basic Math in Word 365](/images/tips/equation365/pi.png)
4.4. On the Equation tab, in the Structures group, click the Script button. In the Scripts and Superscripts list choose Superscript:
![Script in Word for Microsoft 365 Script in Word 365](/images/tips/equation365/superscript.png)
4.5. In the base box of the script, choose
.
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 for Microsoft 365 Normal or Gaussian distribution in Word 365](/images/tips/232/1.png)
In the Linear format:
1. In your own equation, enter f(x)=1/.
2. On the Equation tab,
in the Symbols group, choose
or simply
\sqrt.
3. In the brackets enter 2
(or \pi),
(or \sigma)
and ^2:
![First linear part in Word for Microsoft 365 First linear part in Word 365](/images/tips/232/3.png)
Then you enter a space key, this linear formula transformed to the professional format:
![First part in Word for Microsoft 365 First part in Word 365](/images/tips/232/4.png)
4. Enter e^(-(x-
(or \mu),
)^2/(2,
(or \sigma)
and then ^2)):
![second linear part in Word for Microsoft 365 second linear part in Word 365](/images/tips/232/5.png)
Then you enter a space key, the second part of your linear formula transformed to the professional format:
![second part in Word for Microsoft 365 second part in Word 365](/images/tips/232/1.png)
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.