Math Add-in for Word 2008

[smikey]

Version: 2008
Operating System: Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard)
Processor: intel

Hi:

I switched to a MAC not long ago because it is what my company uses. I am working on creating some document templates in Word 2008 that require math calculations to be performed but I cannot find an add-in that works. Does anyone know how to make this work or of an add-in that will work that is not VB based? Any help would be appreciated.

When I used a PC I was able to use the Microsoft Math add-in but that no longer works...

Thanks in advance.
-mike

 

[Jim Gordon MVP]

Version: 2008
Operating System: Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard)
Processor: intel

Hi:

I switched to a MAC not long ago because it is what my company uses. I am
working on creating some document templates in Word 2008 that require math
calculations to be performed but I cannot find an add-in that works. Does
anyone know how to make this work or of an add-in that will work that is not
VB based? Any help would be appreciated.

When I used a PC I was able to use the Microsoft Math add-in but that no
longer works...

Thanks in advance.
-mike

Hi,

MathType is made by Desci. They have an explanation about the problem you
describe:
http://www.dessci.com/en/products/mathtype_mac/office2008.htm

Although their explanation sounds bleak, there is programmability of Office
2008 via AppleScript. Please follow their advice about advising Microsoft.

Microsoft wants to build great Mac products. I think the input will have a
positive effect sooner or later.

-Jim

--
Jim Gordon
Mac MVP

MVPs are not Microsoft Employees
MVP info

 

[CyberTaz]

What exactly do you need to be able to do? Word 2008 does include Equation
Editor which is the same standard feature as in prior versions & PC Word. To
access it go to Insert> Object - Microsoft Equation.

MathType is a more robust add-in from the same developer, but isn't
included. It's available at an additional cost on the PC but the Mac Office
2008 version is not yet available.

Regards |:>)
Bob Jones
[MVP] Office:Mac

 

[smikey]

Thank you for the replies.

What exactly do you need to be able to do?
I need Word to be able to compute figures within the document. I have a template where a user will rank certian items, once done I want those items to results in an avergae so...

Item 1 = 5
Item 2 = 2
Item 3 = 4
Average = 3.67

If the user changes Item 2 to = 3 then the average will change to 4.0

Do you know of way to accomplish this with in Word 2008?

Thanks!
-mike

 

[Jim Gordon MVP]

Thank you for the replies.

What exactly do you need to be able to do?
I need Word to be able to compute figures within the document. I have a
template where a user will rank certian items, once done I want those items to
results in an avergae so...

Item 1 = 5
Item 2 = 2
Item 3 = 4
Average = 3.67

If the user changes Item 2 to = 3 then the average will change to 4.0

Do you know of way to accomplish this with in Word 2008?

Thanks!
-mike

Hi,

Wow did I get it wrong! I thought you wanted to display fancy algebraic or
calculus symbols. My apologies.

You can accomplish your goal by using something called Fields.

First you put the items into a table (Insert > Table) or use the Table
thingy on the elements gallery.

Then look up the help topic Field codes: = (Formula) field

What you'll do is insert a formula field that's known as AVERAGE() to get
the result you seek.

-Jim

--
Jim Gordon
Mac MVP

MVPs are not Microsoft Employees
MVP info

 

[CyberTaz]

Two points to add to Jim's solution;

1- The easiest way to insert the function is from the Table> Formula... Menu
command. Delete the default Sum function & select Average from the Paste
Function list, but you'll have to edit it to read as: =AVERAGE(Above) and
in the Format box select the format you want or type in an alternative by
following the list examples (such as 0.0 for 1 decimal place of accuracy).

2- This type of field will not dynamically update even if you save & close
the file. If the figures being averaged are changed you'll need to
Control/Right-click the field & select Update Field (among other ways) to
update it manually, and you may also want to make sure that Word>
Preferences> Print is checked for Update Fields.

Regards |:>)
Bob Jones
[MVP] Office:Mac

 

[Clive Huggan]

On 18/4/08 12:08 PM, in article C42D7AF5.3959C%[email protected],

2- This type of field will not dynamically update even if you save & close
the file. If the figures being averaged are changed you'll need to
Control/Right-click the field & select Update Field (among other ways) to
update it manually

<snip>

For example, if there are several such fields, select the part of the
document that has the fields in from the left-hand margin and hit the F9
key; or update the entire document by keying Command-a and hitting the F9
key.

See, Bob, I'm fairly OK on this crud. ;-)))

Many thanks to you, Gentleman Jim -- you prompted me to automate a document
that I've been putting off for ages. All fixed now.

Cheers,

Clive Huggan
Canberra, Australia
(My time zone is 5-11 hours different from the Americas and Europe, so my
follow-on responses to those regions can be delayed)
====================================================

 

[smikey]

I am going to work on this document this weekend. This is GREAT. THANKS!!!!