# Math Help - MathType help: how to align equations separately?

1. ## MathType help: how to align equations separately?

Hi all, I have a simple question.
In MathType one can use the option in the menu: "Format -> Align at =" to align equations at the '=' sign. The problem is that MathType aligns everything in the current window and not just what you selected.
Ex if you have this in your window:
Code:
f(x)=2x+3
g(f(h(x)))=4x
2y+3x=4
x+y=2
it becomes
Code:
      f(x)=2x+3
g(f(h(x)))=4x
2y+3x=4
x+y=2
I want to align only the last two equations so that the functions are still left aligned like this:
Code:
f(x)=2x+3
g(f(h(x)))=4x
2y+3x=4
x+y=2

How do I do this? Intuitively I tried selecting only the last two equations and then using "Align at =" but MathType still aligns everything.

2. Just insert an alignment symbol before or after symbol "=" in each equation that you'd like to have aligned. The alignment symbol it's triangle with dots(on top) on symbol pallet

3. John, ICanFly gave a pretty good answer, but there's one time when that won't work. If you're using alignment marks to align things in MathType, and also using tabs, this will have unpredictable results. But, that does bring up yet another way to align the equations -- use tabs instead of the alignment mark.

First, this is where ICanFly was telling you to find the alignment mark:

Now, to use tabs, I'll give you a few hints, but the best thing to do is to work through the tutorial on it:
MathType Help
MathType Tutorial
More Tutorials
Formatting with Tabs

For your situation, go ahead and type the first 3 equations normally. Click the tab well. This will allow you to align multiple lines on not just the = symbol, but any relational operator.

Next, click on the bottom half of the ruler so that the vertical line is slightly to the right of the = symbol in the third equation:

(Note that if you click on the top half of the ruler, nothing will happen.)

If you release the mouse button too soon, and the tab isn't where you want it, just click it and move it.

Click at the beginning of the 3rd equation, so the cursor is flashing before the 2y. Press Ctrl+Tab. (Hold down the Ctrl key, press and release Tab, then release Ctrl. This is the same on the Mac -- it's Ctrl, not Command.) Now either use the down arrow or click in the next line but before you type the 4th equation, press Ctrl+Tab. Now when you type your last equation, it will be aligned as you want.

4. Thank you very much Mr.MathType and ICanFly! That was more or less a perfect answer. Just what I was looking for. Works like a charm.

Greets