Markdown Math Formulas: LaTeX Syntax, Symbols, and Examples

Type formulas in MarkIOY’s source pane and check the result immediately in the visual pane. Start with the two delimiters, then build up LaTeX commands, structure, and a dependable way to debug them.

MarkIOY Team · August 10, 2026 · 15 min read

Need headings, lists, links, and the rest of the format first? Read the Markdown guide.

Choose the right math delimiters and layout

Inline math belongs inside a sentence, so it works well for variables, short equations, and a few symbols. Block math occupies its own paragraph, which makes fractions, integrals, matrices, and multi-line content easier to read. Put each block delimiter on its own line and leave a blank line around the block when you can.

The area of a circle is $A = \pi r^2$.

$$
\int_a^b f(x)\,\mathrm{d}x = F(b) - F(a)
$$

Do not put a formula inside backticks or a fenced code block; that displays the source literally. MarkIOY reliably recognizes $...$ and $$...$$. It does not treat \(...\), \[...\], or a bare \begin{...} as math.

Build expressions with exponents, fractions, and roots

$$
x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}
$$

Braces {} group multiple characters. Think of x^n+1 as (x^n)+1; write x^{n+1} when the whole n+1 must be the exponent.

Use symbols, functions, and sets semantically

A backslash \ starts a LaTeX command. If another letter immediately follows a command name, insert a space or braces when needed so it is not read as one longer command.

$$
\sum_{i=1}^{n}\alpha_i = 1, \qquad
\lim_{x\to0}\frac{\sin x}{x} = 1, \qquad
\int_0^1 x^2\,\mathrm{d}x = \frac{1}{3}
$$

Prefer semantic commands such as \sin rather than typing sin. For a multi-letter operator of your own, use \operatorname{Var}(X) to preserve upright letters and natural spacing.

Control brackets, text, and spacing

Plain parentheses are fine for small content. When an expression grows vertically, pair \left and \right to stretch the delimiters. Braces are grouping characters in LaTeX, so write \{ and \} when you want visible braces.

$$
\left(\frac{a}{b}\right), \qquad
\left\{x \middle| x > 0\right\}, \qquad
\langle u, v \rangle
$$

Use \text{if } for short prose in a formula, and \mathrm{d}x for an upright unit or differential. These spacing commands cover most situations:

Write matrices, cases, and aligned equations

Put larger structures inside $$...$$. In matrices and cases, & separates columns and \\ starts a new row; keep the same column count in each row. For several lines of algebra, use aligned and place &= at each equals sign.

$$
A = \begin{bmatrix}
a & b \\
c & d
\end{bmatrix}
$$

$$
f(x) = \begin{cases}
x^2, & \text{if } x \ge 0 \\
-x, & \text{if } x < 0
\end{cases}
$$

$$
\begin{aligned}
y &= mx+b \\
  &= m(x-x_0)+y_0
\end{aligned}
$$

Use aligned rather than align: align does not render in current MarkIOY. Break long equations and wide matrices into readable parts, then check them again on mobile and in exported PDF.

Handle escaping, compatibility, and current limits

Both Markdown and LaTeX assign special meanings to characters, so distinguish ordinary text from formula content. Braces usually group content inside a formula, while a dollar sign in prose can accidentally form math when it is paired with a later $.

Use a stable workflow and fix errors quickly

1. Wrap the smallest possible expression in $...$ or $$...$$, then add commands gradually
2. Group multi-character exponents, indexes, numerators, denominators, and radicands with braces
3. Use aligned for long equations; give every matrix row the same number of & separators
4. Check the visual preview after each change, then verify the exported HTML/PDF or final publishing platform
5. Keep the Markdown source instead of preserving the formula only as an image

The formula is displayed as plain text

Make sure it is enclosed by $...$ or $$...$$, not backticks or a code fence. \(...\) and \[...\] are not parsed as math in MarkIOY.

The preview is incomplete or red

Check that dollar signs, braces, and \begin{...}/\end{...} pairs all match. In matrices and cases, make sure each row has the same number of & separators. MarkIOY keeps an invalid formula visible instead of interrupting editing, so you can fix the source directly.

The formula works in MarkIOY but not where I share it

Math is a Markdown extension, and renderers vary by platform and configuration. If the destination has no math support, send the exported HTML/PDF or verify the syntax there first.