How do I use the index tool (e.g. negative numbers, fractions, exponents, borrow and carry, decimal points)?

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The index tool is designed to help you add symbols and adjust positioning to accurately represent mathematical concepts. This tool can be found in the Toolbar and looks like a box with a smaller box to the upper left of it. This guide will show you how to use the index tool for negative numbers, fractions, exponents, borrow and carry, and decimal points.

Note: Familiarity with the line tool is recommended before starting.

To learn about adding lines to the Workbook:

How do I create and edit a line in the Workbook?

This article contains the following topics:

• How do I borrow and carry?
• How do I write a fraction?
• How do I write an exponent?
• How do I write a decimal point?

How do I borrow and carry?

To borrow and carry:

1. Open the workbook

2. Setup your equation, for this example we will use ones, tens, and hundreds “column method”

3. For borrowing:
   • Tap (or click) the cell where you're adding the borrowed number

• Tap (or click) the index tool in the toolbar and select "Upper Left" from the dropdown menu

• Tap (or click) the smaller box within the cell and enter the borrowed amount

• Tap (or click) the cell containing the number you're borrowing from

• Tap (or click) the index tool again and select "Upper Left"

• Tap (or click) the smaller box within the cell and enter the reduced amount of the number after borrowing

• Use the line tool to cross out values

• Repeat this process until you get to your final answer

How do I write a fraction?

To write a fraction:

1. Open the workbook

2. Tap (or click) the cell you wish to make into a fraction

3. Tap (or click) the index tool in the toolbar and select "Fraction" from the dropdown menu

4. Add values to the numerator and denominator by tapping (or clicking) the small boxes within the cells

5. When you are finished, tap (or click) anywhere outside the cell

How do I write an exponent?

To write an exponent:

1. Open the workbook

2. Tap (or click) the cell you wish to add an exponent to

3. Tap (or click) the index tool in the toolbar and select "Upper Right" from the dropdown menu

4. Tap (or click) the smaller box within the cell and enter the exponent

5. When you are finished, tap (or click) anywhere outside the cell

How do I write a decimal point?

To write a decimal point:

1. Open the workbook

2. Tap (or click) the cell you wish to add a decimal point to

3. Tap (or click) the index tool in the toolbar and select "Lower Right" from the dropdown menu

4. Tap (or click) the smaller box within the cell and enter the decimal point

5. When you are finished, tap (or click) anywhere outside the cell

These are just some of the more common uses of the index tool. This tool can also be used for subscripts, mathematical constants and notation, functions and derivatives, etc. The process for adding these is the same as described in this guide.

Tutorial Video