What you need in order to be able to read equations:

The equations in this course come in two sorts:  html symbols and Java applets. You need to be able to read both kinds of equations.

You must complete BOTH steps 1 and 2 below so that you can read all equations for this class. If you only complete one of the steps, you will only be able to read some of the equations, and will not be able to read others. This could be a very bad situation if you encounter one of the kinds of equations you can't read on the test, because by then you will not be able to come back here to fix the problem until after you have taken the test.

So to make sure that you can see equations in the Discussion Board, and in the lectures, and in the sets of lecture questions, your computer will need to have certain software installed. Here is what you need to do:

  1. Step 1: Many of the equations used in this course have been typed using html code; if you are not using the right browser, you may not be able to see them. 

    1. First check to see if this is a problem for you:

      Look at the symbols below. Do any of them look like empty boxes?

      2. ∪, ∩, ∈, ∉, ⊂, ⊆, ⊄, Ø, ℵ0, ℵ1, ≠, ≡, ∧, ∨, →, ←, ↔

      If any of the symbols above look like empty boxes, you need to download the Firefox browser and to make sure that you are using it correctly. Go to step b below and follow the directions there to do this.

      (If none of the symbols above look like empty boxes, then you do not need to download the Firefox browser. Go to Step 2 below.)

    2. Download Firefox and view all pages in this course using the Firefox browser.

      Click here to download the Firefox browser! 

      If you have already downloaded Firefox and still cannot see the equations, be sure that you are using it correctly: 

      To use it you will need to doubleclick on the Firefox icon on your computer to OPEN UP FIREFOX.
      Then, once Firefox has been opened, you will need to TYPE OR CUT AND PASTE THE WEB ADDRESS OF THIS PAGE INTO THE FIREFOX BROWSER to view this page.

      If you just click on a link, it will not open in the Firefox browser, even if you have downloaded it.

  2. Step 2: The other kind of equations you will see in this class are equations that have been written in the Brightspace equation editor.  The Brightspace equation editor uses Java, and your computer may not have the software installed that is needed to view Java applets.


    1. First check to see if your computer can view Java applets.
      Go to the link below. Once the page has finished loading, does it say Java is installed and up to date?

      2. Click here to see if your computer is able to run Java applets!

      If you have clicked on the link above, waited a few minutes (particularly if you have a slow internet connection), and still did not see a confimation that you have Java installed and that it is updated, you need to install and enable Java and/or download the newest update . Go to step ii below and follow the directions there to do this.

      (If you did see the dancing creature in the grey box, then your computer can read Java, and you don't need to do anything else on this page!)

    2. Install and/or enable Java on your computer.

      You can call IT (212-220-8122) and ask them to lead you through this process, or if you would prefer to do it yourself, follow the following link:

      Click here for instructions on how to install and enable Java on your computer!