"Dot" symbol for Derivative

[stephens248]

Does any one know if it is possible to get a “Dot” symbol over a variable for a derivative???? If it is possible, how do you do it? I am using MathCAD 2001.


Thanks,
Jeff

 

[Mattman206]

Hi stephens248,

I'm afraid that I don't think it's possible. While Mathcad does allow you to alter the display of the derivative from normal-looking d's to lazy-d's (regular derivative vs. partial derivative) it won't let you assign a dot to the derivative.

Think about it -- the current derivative operator requires you tell Mathcad what variable to differentiate with respect to.....so if you only used a dot how would Mathcad know which variable to use?

If you're just trying to write out an equation to insert into a presentation or other document, the Microsoft Word equation editor should do the trick. I know you can insert single, double, and triple dots above expressions to indicate derivatives. (But Word just displays it....no evaluation possible there.)

I have Mathcad 2001. If anyone else finds anything to the contrary let me know.

Hope that helps,
Matt

 

[stephens248]

Well it was part of a report, but I was using it more or less as a variable. I did not think about MathCAD not knowing what to differiceniate with respect to by using the dot. Oh well, no big deal. Thanks for the response though.