Add It Up: Using OneNote for math and more

Create math equations

Whether you prefer handwriting or typing equations, OneNote has you covered. Handwriting equations can be more intuitive than using digital software to type, as math notation incorporates symbols that are not easily accessible on a keyboard. For example, if you are writing a linear equation, which includes an exponent, (X2+6 =31) on Microsoft Word you must click the subscript button to properly add the exponent. Using this method for math notation for a few equations is not time-consuming. However, doing this for an entire lecture might cause you to miss several equations.

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With Microsoft OneNote, open a page or notebook and use the Draw feature to handwrite equations, with a finger or stylus. Later, using the Lasso Select tool, draw a circle around the equation and select math and confirm your equation is correct. Change any math notation using the fix-it mode to select an incorrectly recognized symbol. You can then select Ink to Math to convert your digital handwriting into a typed math equation, to generate solutions.

If you prefer typing equations, you can also use equation tools. Select Insert > Equation and use the symbols and structures tabs to craft your equations.

Organize lecture notes

Differentiating math notes by different subjects and concepts is important to keep your material organized. Microsoft OneNote allows you to create notebooks, pages, and sections to separate material how you want it organized. If you are struggling to find an old concept buried in your notes, you can search for it. For example, if you are trying to review how to chain rule differentiation to prepare for your microeconomics exam, you can search “chain rule” in your search bar, and find it, regardless of the notebook, page, or section it is in.

Solve math equations

Solve equations directly from your lecture notes using OneNote. To access equation-solving features on Windows 11, make sure you are subscribed to Microsoft 365. Once you’ve typed your equation, use the Lasso Select tool to draw a circle around the equation, select Math, and you will enter the Math Assistant pane. From here, you can edit your equation, switch between real and complex number solutions, and find the answer to your equation.

Easy access to solutions makes studying a breeze. With correct solutions embedded in your notes, you can resolve equations, on your own, and then check OneNote’s Math Assistant for the correct answer. If you need help reviewing the steps to get the correct answer, you can click Show Steps in the Math Assistant dropdown box, and even hear the solutions read out aloud using Immersive Reader.

Draw graphs

Say goodbye to your graphing calculator and paper and use OneNote to plot functions. Plotting functions by hand can be prone to error. You might confuse a point on the X-axis with the Y-axis and mess up your function. With OneNote, you can save trees by handwriting your equation, selecting the lasso tool, opening the Math Assistant pane, and graphing your function. You can then adjust your graph position, zoom in or out, reset your graph, and save it your notes. You can also read the points on your graph, change your equation parameters, and choose other information to display.

Take math notes, solve equations, and keep it all organized in one place using OneNote. Learn more ways to stay organized with OneNote in the classroom and outside of it.