Apache OpenOffice (AOO) Bugzilla – Issue 23948
Math function interface non-intuitive
Last modified: 2013-02-07 22:42:02 UTC
The math function interface, while superior to Microsoft Word has one small nonintuitive part to it. Currently when you do the following Test Case: 1. Open a new document 2. Create a math object 3. Click on the Sum symbol to bring up the sums part of the math function 4. Select the sum with an upper and lower limit 5. Enter in the upper limit and lower limit as a and b respectably. (for the function in the proper portion of the window) Actual: The there is a red upside down question mark where the sum would probably be. Now, this is by design since apparently you are supposed to choose the symbol before choosing the type of limits you would like to show on the symbol, but since the limits are shown with a symbol, intuitively it looks like if I want a sum with those limits, I only have to click on that symbol. Thus the expected becomes: Expected: The math function will show up properly Now being a mathematician and used to using function programs like Maple, the current setup works, but is initially non-intuitive. 2 possible solutions to the problem would be to change the icon so it is obvious that all it does is put the limits in place (perhaps have the limits shown with a ? in between?), another solution would be to have it so when you click on the sum symbol or any of the other symbols a secondary window will pop up allowing you to choose what types of limits you desire with that symbol.
MRU->BH: Maybe in the Math selection window we should better disply the seperation of the Sum/Integral symbol itself and the limit formatting. Actually, it can be a bit mislading, the way we do it now.
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