A Lockergnome reader recently submitted a question asking how to add a mathematical equation into a Word document. Some people think this is accomplished using the Character Map; however, this is not the case.

Word includes over 150 mathematical symbols that you can insert into your document to build equations. To add a mathematical equation in Word 2003:

1. Place the cursor where you want to insert the equation.
2. From the Insert menu, click Object.
3. Click the Create New tab.
4. In the Object Type box, click Microsoft Equation 3.0.
5. From the Equation toolbar, choose the symbols you want to use.
6. Type in the variables and numbers you want to use.
7. Click Word when you are ready to return to your document.