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KaTeX notes for STEM: fast math in Markdown
KaTeX is a fast library for rendering LaTeX math in the browser. Pair it with Markdown and you get notes that are quick to type, look like a textbook, and stay plain text underneath.
Inline vs display math
- Inline:
$E = mc^2$renders inside a sentence. - Display: put it on its own lines:
$$
\int_0^1 x^2\,dx = \frac{1}{3}
$$
Tip: in RecallHaven a lone $ for money stays normal text, so "$5" doesn't break your note.
The commands you'll actually use
| Want | Type |
|---|---|
| Fraction | \frac{a}{b} |
| Power / index | x^{2}, a_{n} |
| Root | \sqrt{x}, \sqrt[3]{x} |
| Derivative | \frac{dy}{dx}, f'(x) |
| Partial | \frac{\partial f}{\partial x} |
| Integral | \int_a^b f(x)\,dx |
| Sum / limit | \sum_{k=1}^{n}, \lim_{x\to 0} |
| Greek | \alpha \beta \theta \lambda \omega |
| Vectors | \vec{v}, \mathbf{v}, \hat{n} |
| Matrix | \begin{pmatrix} a & b \\ c & d \end{pmatrix} |
| Aligned steps | \begin{aligned} a &= b \\ &= c \end{aligned} |
| Cases | \begin{cases} x & x\ge 0 \\ -x & x<0 \end{cases} |
| Text in math | \text{if } x>0 |
| Approx / not equal | \approx, \neq, \le, \ge |
| Sets | \in, \subset, \mathbb{R} |
A note template that works for any STEM topic
# Topic name
**Idea in one line:** …
## Definition
$$ … $$
## When it applies (conditions)
- …
## Worked example
$$\begin{aligned} … \end{aligned}$$
## Common traps
- …
The "common traps" section is the one you'll be glad you wrote at exam time.
From notes to memory
Notes alone fade. The step that makes them stick is retrieval: answering questions without looking. In RecallHaven you can attach a quiz to any note. Multiple-choice and open questions support Markdown and LaTeX in the prompt and the reference answer, and spaced repetition (FSRS or SM-2) brings each quiz section back when it's due.
Where to write KaTeX notes
- Obsidian or VS Code with Markdown preview: great local editors, with spaced repetition through plugins or separate tools.
- Notion: renders inline and block equations with KaTeX (
/mathfor a block,$$…$$inline), but has no built-in spaced repetition. - RecallHaven: a Markdown note editor with equations (including a compact visual equation editor), tables and quizzes attached to notes, plus scheduled reviews.
FAQ
KaTeX vs MathJax? Both render LaTeX in the browser. KaTeX is known for speed, MathJax for broader LaTeX coverage. For course notes, KaTeX covers almost everything.
Can I use \begin{align}? In KaTeX, use aligned inside $$…$$.
Do I need to install LaTeX? No. KaTeX renders in the browser.
Can I share a note? RecallHaven can create a read-only public link (anyone with the link, not listed publicly), which you can revoke.
If you already write math in Markdown, try one note with a quiz attached. Write a free KaTeX note →
Use the free spaced repetition schedule calculator (no sign-up), or try RecallHaven.
Open the calculator