Setting the Output Style

To select the formatting style for math output notation, tap the "Output" button and choose a setting, or use the "output" command.

The "output" command is used to determine which of two styles of mathematical notation will be used when displaying expressions and equations:

The keyword "1d" selects one-dimensional notation.  It is the same as the notation used to enter expressions and equations from the command line.

e.g.   6(i-(y+z)/2)=p(1+2(3)/(4((4+x)/5-1)))

The keyword "2d" selects two-dimensional notation.  It approximates standard math notation by depicting fractions in the traditional numerator-above-denominator format, centering expressions, drawing large parentheses, and hiding redundant parentheses.  "2d" is the default format.

e.g.       /    y + z\       /         2 (3)     \
        6 ( i - ----- ) = p | 1 + --------------- |
           \      2  /      |        /4 + x    \  |
                            |     4 ( ----- - 1 ) |
                             \       \  5      / /

When using two-dimensional notation, the program also supports a "fancy" version that renders "typeset" math (using the MathML markup language) when the "b_outputMathML" kernel option is set to "1".  Fancy 2D output is the default in AutoMathic implementations that output HTML:

Those examples showed some of the program's equation formatting features.  The display mimics traditional, two-dimensional mathematical notation in the following ways:

• Equations are centered around the equals (=) sign.
• Fractions are shown in numerator-above-denominator layout.
• Sub-expressions are centered horizontally and vertically.
• Large parentheses are drawn around tall expressions that need them.
• Redundant parentheses are not shown.

The program also offers a simpler, one-dimensional output mode that matches the style used when entering equations at the command line.  To switch to the simpler, one-dimensional output mode, use the "output 1d" command:

> output 1d

 * One-dimensional output mode.

Here is the previous variable definition using one-dimensional output and medium detail:

> detail medium

 * Detail set to medium.

> (1-1/(2x))x=5

   Solving for x:

      (1-1/(2x))x=5

            x-1/2=5

                x=5+1/2

       x = 5.5 (or 11 / 2, or 5 & 1 / 2)

Since one-dimensional output mode matches the input format, it can be useful for cutting-and-pasting program output back into the program itself.

To switch back to the default, two-dimensional output mode, use the "output 2d" command:

demo> output 2d

 * Two-dimensional output mode.