Using LaTeX in polls

In this article we cover:

• What is LaTeX?
• How to set up a LaTeX poll
• LaTeX example with text choices
• How to set up a LaTeX poll with text choices
• Technical information & limitations

What is LaTeX?

LaTeX is a typesetting system used in the production of technical and scientific documentation.  In the context of Vevox, it can be used to include mathematical or scientific formula and expressions in the questions that you create.  For example: 

• Superscript and subscript text
• Fractions
• Greek characters
• Complex formulas 
• Matrices  
• And much more 

 

Setting up questions with LaTeX works the same way as creating other poll questions. The only difference is that you Start AND End where you want to use your LaTeX script with double dollar symbols - $$. Vevox will automatically recognize that you are using LaTeX notations. The sigma symbol will appear next to the text field to indicate LaTeX has been detected.  

 

Follow these steps to set up a LaTeX poll: 

 In the Polls section select the '+ Create new' button. 

 Select your poll type. 

 Enter the 'Question title' of your poll. That is your question you want to ask. Remember to start AND end your LaTeX script with '$$'.  

 Enter the 'Choices' you would like your participants to choose from. If you are using LaTeX notations in the choices section as well, make sure to start and end your choices with '$$'.  

 You can set your poll to have one or more correct answers by adjusting the allowed selections. 

 When using the optional Correct answer explanation box, you can provide a reason and details for the correct answer.  The section also supports the use of LaTeX.

 Press'Create'. 

 

Here is an example when your question section has a LaTeX notation, but your choices are text only:

This is the question that you want to ask:

The LaTeX code use in this example is: 

$$\begin{bmatrix} 

2 & 0 & 0\\ 

1 & 2 & 1\\ 

0 & 0 & 1 

\end{bmatrix}$$

 

Do the following to create your Latex poll: 

 Start the question title with your text sentence. Press 'Enter' to add a line break. 

 Start with $$ and then paste your code. Add another $$ at the end of your code. 

 A Sigma symbol will appear to the right, confirming that LaTeX code has been detected. 

 Now enter your choices. As soon as you click outside the question text field, your LaTeX script will be rendered as it will appear to participants.  Clicking back into the text field will allow you to edit it again.

 Select the correct answer next to the choice and type a correct answer explanation should you wish. Then press 'Create' to finish your question. 

 The question with answers will look like this in Present view:   

 Note you can also add Latex notations in the choice options. 

 

Technical information and limitations

Our support for LaTeX uses the KaTeX javascript library.  You can see all the supported functions here https://katex.org/docs/supported.html.

Our implementation only supports the functions using the inline mode of KaTeX.  We do not currently support the display mode scenario and as such functions that require the display mode will not render.

For the most consistent experience we recommend that your participants use the web version of our participant app (vevox.app) when you have LaTeX content.  In the native iOS or Android apps LaTeX can sometimes be rendered slightly differently.