[Solved] Negative Symbol in a Power?

[BenG]

I want to display the number -2e-8 in a formula.

When I enter either

Code: Select all

-2 * 10^{-8}

or

Code: Select all

-2 * 10^{--8}

The negative symbol isn't appearing in the power. See attached screen shot.

How can I get the negative symbol in the power?

[TheGurkha]

Seems to work for me in 3.1. Which OOo are you using?

Negative Powers

2009-05-26_125724.jpg (24.39 KiB) Viewed 9886 times

[BenG]

Build 3.1.0

[BenG]

Hmmmmm....

Well after further review - it appears the "-" symbol is there (I can select it). However it doesn't seem to always be displayed. It appears to be dependant on the zoom level . E.g.

80% - Yes
90% - Yes
100% - No
110% - No
120% - Yes

Does the same happen on your OOo? Or is it just me?

[acknak]

I would write it as -2 times 10^{-8}, but that's just more familiar to me.

I can't reproduce the problem using 3.1 on Linux, although OOo does have similar problems with lines and rules in some cases, so I'm not surprised it could happen here as well.

BTW, is there a reason you're using OOo Math by itself? It's typically used from within another application, through Insert > Object > Formula. You may find, using it that way, that the formula display does not have this problem.

Using the "Optimal" zoom setting might be another good workaround.

There are some similar issues on file, but all of them seem to be fixed. E.g., Issue 16470: = appears as - in text files
You can register there and add a comment to that issue, asking that it be re-opened, or just file a new issue.

[Tutorial] Reporting bugs or suggestions

[BenG]

I would write it as -2 times 10^{-8}, but that's just more familiar to me.

Cheers.

BTW, is there a reason you're using OOo Math by itself?

I was only using Math so I could get both parts of the text in view at once (for the screenshot). I'm actually putting a formula into a writer document.

[Dave]

I do a LOT of math. In Windoze operating system, I use MathType, or, sometimes free Hermitech software, with never a problem.

David.