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Math blocks render LaTeX expressions as beautifully formatted mathematical notation using KaTeX.

​
Basic Syntax

Use a code fence with the math kind: 
```math:quadratic
x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}
```
Format: ```math:name
  • name: Unique identifier for the block

​
Multiple Expressions

Separate expressions with blank lines: 
```math:formulas
x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}

y = mx + b

E = mc^2
```
Each expression gets an auto-generated ID:
  • First expression: expr-0
  • Second expression: expr-1
  • Third expression: expr-2

​
LaTeX Syntax

Handhold uses KaTeX for rendering, which supports most standard LaTeX math commands.

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Common Operators

\frac{numerator}{denominator}    % Fraction
\sqrt{x}                         % Square root
\sqrt[n]{x}                      % Nth root
x^{power}                        % Superscript
x_{subscript}                    % Subscript

​
Greek Letters

\alpha \beta \gamma \delta
\epsilon \theta \lambda \mu
\pi \sigma \phi \omega
\Gamma \Delta \Theta \Lambda

​
Symbols

\pm \mp \times \div
\cdot \ast \star
\leq \geq \neq \approx
\in \subset \subseteq
\cap \cup \emptyset
\infty \partial \nabla
\int \sum \prod \lim

​
Delimiters

(x)              % Parentheses
[x]              % Brackets
\{x\}            % Braces (escaped)
|x|              % Absolute value
\langle x \rangle  % Angle brackets

​
Matrices

\begin{matrix}
  a & b \\
  c & d
\end{matrix}

\begin{pmatrix}  % Parentheses
  a & b \\
  c & d
\end{pmatrix}

\begin{bmatrix}  % Brackets
  a & b \\
  c & d
\end{bmatrix}

​
Calculus

\int_{a}^{b} f(x) \, dx        % Integral
\sum_{i=1}^{n} x_i             % Sum
\prod_{i=1}^{n} x_i            % Product
\lim_{x \to \infty} f(x)       % Limit
\frac{dy}{dx}                  % Derivative
\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}  % Partial derivative

​
Text in Math

\text{some text}               % Regular text
\textbf{bold text}             % Bold
\textit{italic text}           % Italic

​
Regions

Target individual expressions using their auto-generated IDs: 
```math:equations
F = ma

E = mc^2

v = v_0 + at
---
force: expr-0
energy: expr-1
velocity: expr-2
```
Use with {{focus: region}} to highlight specific expressions (others dim).

​
Triggers

Math blocks support:
  • {{show: math-name}} - Display the math block
  • {{focus: region}} - Highlight specific expressions
  • {{pulse: region}} - Briefly emphasize expressions

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Real Examples

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Quadratic Formula

```math:quadratic
x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}
```
Renders as: x=−b±b2−4ac2ax = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}

​
Distance Formula

```math:distance
d = \sqrt{(x_2 - x_1)^2 + (y_2 - y_1)^2}
```
Renders as: d=(x2−x1)2+(y2−y1)2d = \sqrt{(x_2 - x_1)^2 + (y_2 - y_1)^2}

​
Matrix Multiplication

```math:matrix
\begin{bmatrix}
  a & b \\
  c & d
\end{bmatrix}
\begin{bmatrix}
  x \\
  y
\end{bmatrix}
=
\begin{bmatrix}
  ax + by \\
  cx + dy
\end{bmatrix}
```

​
Calculus Example

```math:calculus
\int_{0}^{\infty} e^{-x^2} \, dx = \frac{\sqrt{\pi}}{2}

\frac{d}{dx} \left( \int_{a}^{x} f(t) \, dt \right) = f(x)

\lim_{n \to \infty} \left(1 + \frac{1}{n}\right)^n = e
---
gaussian: expr-0
fundamental: expr-1
e-definition: expr-2
```

​
Complete Lesson Example

# The Quadratic Formula

{{show: derivation}} The quadratic formula solves equations of the form ax² + bx + c = 0. {{focus: standard}} Starting with the standard form, {{focus: complete-square}} we complete the square, {{focus: isolate}} isolate x, {{focus: simplify}} and simplify to get the final formula.

```math:derivation
ax^2 + bx + c = 0

x^2 + \frac{b}{a}x + \frac{c}{a} = 0

x^2 + \frac{b}{a}x = -\frac{c}{a}

\left(x + \frac{b}{2a}\right)^2 = \frac{b^2 - 4ac}{4a^2}

x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}
---
standard: expr-0
complete-square: expr-1, expr-2
isolate: expr-3
simplify: expr-4
```

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Best Practices

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Complexity

  • Keep expressions readable (not too dense)
  • Break complex derivations into multiple expressions
  • Use whitespace in LaTeX source for clarity

​
Naming

Do: Use descriptive region names 
---
quadratic-formula: expr-0
derivative-definition: expr-1
Don’t: Use positional names 
---
first: expr-0
second: expr-1

​
LaTeX Tips

  • Use \text{} for words in equations
  • Use \, for spacing: \int_{a}^{b} f(x) \, dx
  • Use \left and \right for auto-sized delimiters: \left( \frac{a}{b} \right)
  • Escape braces: \{ and \}

​
Expression Count

  • Limit to 5-8 expressions per block
  • Split long derivations across multiple steps
  • Use {{focus: region}} to reveal expressions sequentially

​
KaTeX Support

Handhold uses KaTeX, which supports most LaTeX math features. For the complete reference, see: Note: KaTeX does not support:
  • Advanced LaTeX packages (e.g., tikz)
  • Custom macros (use built-in commands only)
  • Text-mode commands outside \text{}

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